Peer Support Worker

Alexandra Comm Hlth Ctr • Calgary, AB

12h • CA$49,413 - CA$54,912 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Alex is a community-based, not-for-profit organization that has been providing integrated primary health care, community support services, and housing-focused programs since 1973. They serve individuals and families facing barriers to traditional health, housing, and social service systems. Their services are guided by principles of health equity, low-barrier access, trauma-informed practice, cultural safety, harm reduction, and person-centered care. The Mobile Care Clinic is an outreach service offering low-barrier support, including basic wound care, hygiene supplies, peer support, and harm reduction resources, with referrals to other services. The Peer Support Worker (PSW) role, reporting to the Program Manager, utilizes lived experience to empower individuals with addictions, mental health, physical health, and social complexities. The PSW works within a recovery-oriented framework, applying principles of harm reduction and trauma-informed care to provide immediate assistance for basic needs and support in navigating health and social services. This role also involves supporting programs, engaging community members, and responding to critical incidents.

Requirements

• Demonstrated commitment in peer support context working with individuals with health concerns, which may include and focus on mental health, substance use, poverty, homelessness and food insecurity.
• Lived experience navigating the health and social care systems is an asset.
• Superior engagement skills and excitement for new opportunities.
• Base level computer skills.
• Comfortable working independently and as a part of a team.
• Ability to contribute to a positive work environment and team culture.
• High level of initiative and self-motivation.
• Flexible and adaptable.
• High level of self-awareness.
• Determined and committed to excellence.
• Working knowledge base of local resources for housing, mental health, addiction, community support, finances, etc.
• First Aid (Basic or Intermediate) – Level C CPR & AED within 30 days of hire date; certification must be valid for a minimum of 6 months upon hire.
• Class 5 driver’s license and a clean 3-year driver's abstract are required.
• Minimum of 25 years of age and three (3) years of driving experience is required to drive an Alex mobile health vehicle.
• A satisfactory vulnerable sector criminal record clearance and child welfare intervention check are required.

Nice To Haves

• Completion of the CMHA Calgary School of Peer Support course or other recognized Peer Training is considered a strong asset.
• Training in any of the following is considered an asset: Applied Suicide Intervention Training, Mental Health First Aid, Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, and Motivational Interviewing.
• Experience driving large (40-foot) vehicles or willingness to be trained is preferred.
• Air brake (Q endorsement) is an asset.
• Demonstrated knowledge, understanding and commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Drive and operate an Alex mobile clinic safely to support program delivery.
• Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team of professionals to provide culturally appropriate, holistic, episodic care to vulnerable populations.
• Ensure clients and professionals are welcomed promptly, appropriately, and are supported effectively.
• Provide support during crisis/emergency situations by utilizing de-escalation techniques and/or motivational interviewing skills.
• Offer an empathetic, listening ear to clients.
• Engage in supportive conversation with clients to explore, coordinate, advocate and connect to internal and external services and resources.
• Be a creative problem solver and have the ability to think outside the box to help clients achieve success.
• Assist clients with needs related to housing, entitlements/benefits, employment, education, and community integration.
• Provide client-centered and culturally informed services.
• Support and assist with group programming for participants and staff relevant to lived experience.
• Complete data collection and documentation with precision, adhering to agency policies and procedures.
• Support and attend client appointments on and off site.
• Maintain client confidentiality and clear boundaries.
• Represent the program and the agency in the community in a professional manner.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 3-weeks’ vacation
• Medical and Dental Coverage
• Health / Wellness Spending Accounts
• RRSP, Student Loan Repayment Program and/or Mortgage Accelerator Payment Program (up to 5% match)
• Personal Days
• Floating Holiday
• Sick/Wellness Days
• Employee Family Assistance Plan (EFAP)
• Professional Development

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed