Peer Support Worker (Reg PT)

The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory•Vancouver, BC

2d•CA$27 - CA$28•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Treatment Program Manager, the Peer Support Worker is responsible for clientele relations outside of regular office hours, Step-work group facilitating, direct client contact and administrative co-operation. This is a part-time position working Saturdays and Sundays from 2pm to 10pm. The role involves working in Vancouver's downtown eastside within a multi-program facility that offers various services including community meals, shelters, addiction treatment, a correctional residential facility, and low-income housing. The Peer Support Worker may work with clients experiencing heightened emotions or crisis, and may be at risk of verbal abuse, physical attacks, exposure to infectious diseases, sharp objects, and emergency situations. The role requires precautionary measures such as NVCI training, Mental Health First Aid, universal precautions, and may require overdose response and administering Naloxone. The position involves sitting and moderate keyboarding, with moderate attention required when interviewing clients, working with numbers, and occasional documentation.

Requirements

Grade 12 or equivalent - e.g., B.C. Certificate of Graduation (Dogwood) or B.C. Adult Graduation Diploma (Adult Dogwood).
One year of related experience, including experience in an applicable community social services sector.
Must display a high level of stability in their personal recovery from substance use and be knowledgeable of relapse prevention strategies.
Knowledge of 12-step recovery principles is required.
Strong sense of integrity and confidentiality with professional ethics and a balanced sense of fairness and flexibility.
Clear understanding of the needs, strengths, challenges, and opportunities for people in the DTES, including substance use, mental health, homelessness, and gender-based violence.
Demonstrated ability to provide a healthy, safe, non-judgmental space for clients accessing social services and/or residential care.
Demonstrated comfort and skill working with diverse populations.
Basic skills in Windows, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook.
Willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities.
Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army’s health and safety policies and procedures.
Ability to provide an original copy of a Background Check that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required. Criminal Record Review Program clearance is required for all positions at Vancouver Harbour Light. Ability to obtain federal Enhanced Security Clearance may be required for this position.
Documentation confirming compliance with the Province’s immunization and tuberculosis control program, per Residential Care Regulations.

Nice To Haves

Further education in a related field would be an asset.
Naloxone training, First Aid with CPR, Mental Health First Aid, and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training (or willingness to be trained).
PeerConnectBC Peer Support Worker Certification (current or willing to be trained).
Lived experience with 12-step recovery program is a significant asset to this position.
Experience working with CAMS or another cloud-based client database is an asset.
Knowledgeable of different recovery models and support services.

Responsibilities

Monitors the activities of the clients/residents and maintains availability for personal, practical and moral support.
Ensure that the client becomes acclimatized to his new environment, is aware of all rules and gains confidence in the staff.
Provide client orientation reviewing the New Client Handbook; facilitate training around chores.
Attend in-house 12-step meetings, including Alumni Meeting.
Assist in Afterhours Intake Procedures.
Support Counsellors with follow-up on clients where there is a direct concern about clients mental health and/or well-being e.g. hourly checks, follow-up check-in’s, UA.
Provide and facilitate a weekly Step-Work Group to support clients with their step work required in the Treatment Program.
Administer evening medications.
Report any concerning or suspicious behaviour to Treatment Program Management and Primary Counsellor of clients’ involved.
Holds clients accountable to the principles of recovery.
Acts as a role model to clients by following their own program of recovery.
Ensure that confidentiality of all information regarding clients is maintained. Have knowledge of the “Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act”.
Ensure that assistance is given to the client in accessing any outside resources (12-step meetings, SMART Recovery Meetings, Recovery based events).
Inform and remind clients when there are infractions of the rules and ensure the infractions are reported to the client’s counsellor and Treatment Program Manager.
Participate in the yearly client focused events, including but not limited to, Client Christmas Party (usually early December) and summer baseball tournament(s).
Ensure that clients are aware of the client grievance procedure available to them.
Ensure that visual contact is made with each client during each shift and to check-in with each client during their assigned block of shifts. All check-ins are to be documented.
Must be available for unscheduled meetings with clients.
Maintains respectful & ethical relationships with clients and colleagues, in accordance with TSA policies and professional standards.
Maintains a current knowledge of and complies with all facility policies and procedures. This would include, but not be exclusive to, The Salvation Army Standards & Review procedures.
Works closely with and co-operates in a courteous, respectful manner with other staff, volunteers, visitors & clients.
Ensure that information, even of a confidential nature, is passed on to the Director of Residential Programs, Treatment Program Manager, Treatment Assistant Manager or Clinical Supervisor if it might endanger or seriously affect another person or the safety of the building.
Ensure that all legitimate requests to assist by colleagues is considered and acted upon.
Ensure that requests to Counsellors and Addiction Support Workers by individuals or outside agencies for information or presentation on Harbour Light are communicated to the Treatment Program Manager or Director of Residential Programs.
May participate in seasonal client/program activities, e.g. client Christmas party, seasonal activities on-site or off-site.
This role may perform other duties and other accountabilities as required.