Peer Employment Support Worker - Part Time

Job Title:

Employment Peer Support Worker

Classification:

Support Worker 1

Grid/Pay Level:

Grid 21

Collective Agreement:

Community Sub-Sector

Wage Range:

$27.92 - $29.60/hr

Union:

BCGEU

Job Family:

Environmental Services

Program:

Employment

Benchmarks:

81501

Reporting To:

Programs Director or designate

Facility/Site:

Multiple CMHA MI Sites 

Shift Times:

TBA

Days off:

Rotating

Date Reviewed: November 14, 2023

JOB SUMMARY: 

Under the direction of the Programs Director or designate, in accordance with established vision, mission, focus and values of the agency, the Peer Support Worker (PSW) shares their own consumer knowledge and lived experience of mental illness/substance use to assist clients to achieve their stated employment, volunteer, or education related goals. The PSW will work with clients in recovery from substance use seeking competitive, paid employment in an integrated community setting. The PSW will be a well-organized individual who exhibits initiative, flexibility, sound judgement and good interpersonal skills.  Duties include one-to-one (in person) work assisting clients in achieving goal(s), acquiring new skills or linking with community resources; meeting and working in the community; travel (usually on transit); participation in client goals; communicating and documenting all relevant information to pertinent staff; and attending quarterly peer support worker meetings, at the team or unit and centrally.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Demonstrated commitment to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive team environment 
2. Support clients in developing and reaching goals such as:
   1. Job searches
   2. Interview skills
   3. Finding route to job interview location
   4. Building confidence
   5. Navigating job websites and applications
   6. Helping with email and\or job site account set up
   7. Assisting with benefit navigation such as income assistance.
   8. Other job-related supports as set out by Links team
3. Establishes a dignifying and purposeful relationship with the client, contacting and getting to know the client as a unique individual, and clarifying the role of the Peer Support Worker with the client
4. In accordance with pre-established Wellness or Vocational plans, assists the client with the development of life skills such as maintaining personal hygiene, meeting financial obligations, making and keeping appointments, and interpersonal skills by methods such as demonstrating and modelling appropriate actions
5. Assists the client with community integration activities, and escorts clients to a comprehensive range of community services and opportunities
6. Shares information with Links team members and partner organizations regarding the experience of individuals with mental illness/substance use
7. Collaborates with the client, Links team and partner organizations to support the client to achieve individual goals, needs and situational requirements
8. Assists the client towards self-managing all aspects of their life, including their mental illness, substance use and other health conditions by such methods as sharing information and lived experience perspective, practical problem-solving, and linkages with peer supports and advocacy groups
9. Participates in program planning, development, evaluation, and quality improvement activities that facilitate team goal setting, by attending meetings and providing input
10. Prepares and maintains written and computerized records and completes other program documentation, including writing progress notes, completing incident reports and on-call logs
11. Conducts information sessions, facilitates workshops and peer learning groups and develops educational materials to meet clients’ needs
12. Maintains an awareness of current community resources including health care services, social, economic, recreational, employment, educational services and resources, and other agencies: use the information to assist the client to access services and problem solve with the client as required
13. Completes First Aid/CPR, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training, and Suicide Awareness Training or any other training as deemed appropriate by the employer 
14. Represents CMHA MI in a professional manner, and follow all CMHA MI organizational policies and procedures.
15. Attends monthly staff meetings, committee meetings, and others as required
16. Other related duties as appropriate and required

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Training and Experience

• Lived experience accessing mental health and addictions systems
• Peer Support Training considered an asset OR a combination of relevant education, training, and experience
• Worked as a Peer Support Worker within the last 3 years
• Two years recent related work experience with an emphasis on mental illness/substance use
• Completion of grade 12
• Class 5 Drivers License
• Thorough knowledge of mental health recovery principles 
• Knowledge of community resources and programs
• Full COVID-19 Vaccination 

Or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience

Or other Qualifications determined to be reasonable and relevant to the level of work

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to foster an equitable and inclusive environment
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to establish and maintain rapport and appropriate boundaries with clients and their families
• Ability to work independently and in cooperation with others
• Ability to evaluate and resolve problems efficiently and effectively
• Willing to facilitate or co-facilitate groups as needed 
• Knowledge and skill in word processing and computer applications
• Ability to organize and prioritize;
• Ability to analyze and problem solve;
• Ability to model, instruct and demonstrate life skills;
• Ability to observe and recognize changes in clients;
• Ability to demonstrate empathy, patience, and support, including wiliness to respect the right to decline assistance;
• Conflict resolution and crisis intervention skills; and
• Physical and mental ability to carry out the duties of the position.

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