Peer Support Worker - Housing First

Job Purpose:

Housing First is a program of the NECHC. The Housing First team supports folks through place-based and scattered-site caseloads to secure and maintain their housing and achieve individualized goals. Participants will often have a serious mental illness that is often accompanied by substance use, a history of involvement in the criminal justice system, and chronic physical illness. As members of a multi-disciplinary team, staff provide case management services based upon the principles of Housing First, harm reduction, and assertive engagement. We prioritize individuals and couples with multiple barriers (struggles with substance use, chronic health, and mental health) who are African Nova Scotian, Indigenous and/or Two-Spirit, transgender, and/or gender diverse.

The Peer Support Specialist strives to connect with participants/tenants through shared experience in ways that strengthen hope, reduce power imbalances, and provide social support for those who may be experiencing challenges in their unique journeys. Peer support also aims to maximize independence, and potential and promote recovery. The HF Peer Support Specialist will bring their lived experience and expertise to the work. The peer support specialists will provide daily support, programming/groups, and mentoring to participants in various housing and community locations. The peer support specialist collaborates with participants to provide individualized and flexible support to engage and integrate them into the community and help facilitate their access to resources and support.

Education and Experience:

Experience with the mental health system.

1-2 years’ experience working in a community setting with community members who use substances, have mental health challenges, and/or other vulnerabilities.

Has gone through the process of at least 24 months of recovery.

The person can act ethically, demonstrate competence in effective communication and teambuilding, demonstrate effectiveness in working in a collaborative environment, and demonstrate confidence in decision-making and in building relationships.

Strong understanding of harm reduction principles and approaches

Strong skills related to adaptability, time management, problem-solving, judgment, communication, interpersonal relations, and healthy boundaries.

Values diversity with a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Ability to observe boundaries, engage in appropriate emotional regulation, refrain from dual relationships with participants, maintain confidentiality, and engage in reasonable self-care strategies designed to reduce stress by balancing work/life responsibilities.

Extensive knowledge of supports and services in the community, including formal and informal resources.

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Ability to demonstrate computer skills, specifically Microsoft Office and Outlook

A valid Canadian driver’s license and the use of a personal vehicle to transport clients is an asset.

A satisfactory and current Vulnerable Sector Screening

For more details, visit the full job posting here: file:///A:/HR%20&%20Administration/Recruitment%20&%20Retention/Job%20postings/Peer%20Support%20Worker,%20Housing%20First%20-%202024.pdf

Additionally, we invite applicants to self-identify in their application or complete the questionnaire on the NECHC website. Rest assured, any declaration regarding membership in equity groups will remain confidential.

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