Job Opportunity – Peer Support Worker at Steps Services

PEER SUPPORT WORKER:
NOTICE OF CONTRACT 

Up to 25 HOURS/MONTH

AVAILABLE AT 
Steps Services
312 Main Street, Vancouver, BC V6A 2T2

Contract Description:  

Under the supervision of the mental health Occupational Therapist, you will work with clients experiencing mental health & substance use challenges as a Peer Support Worker to work with client-led rehabilitation goals. The successful candidate will be a well-organized individual who exhibits initiative, flexibility, sound judgment and good interpersonal skills.

Duties as a PSW (2- 4 hours a week):  

· One-to-one and/or group work with clients (in-person, in the community, on the telephone, or by zoom). Willingness to engage in physical and social activities in the community with clients.   

· Assist clients in working towards goals, that are collaboratively agreed upon with a clinician and the client, including developing new skills, connecting with community resources, and living meaningful, authentic lives through active listening, sharing lived experiences, fostering open dialogue, and inspiring hope.

· Attends monthly Peer Support meetings and liaises with other mental health staff as appropriate.

Qualifications: The successful individual will: 

1.    Have completed a recognized Peer Support Worker Training program with a practicum (preferred). Equivalent training and/or experience may be considered. 

2.    Lived and living experience with mental health and/or substance use challenges and successes. 

3.    Demonstrated ability to use recovery-oriented and trauma-informed practices.

4.    Works well in a team environment as well as independently. Exercises good judgment and reaches out for support from the site team as needed. 

5.    Proficient with basic applications of computer/smartphone and willingness to learn and use an electronic charting system.

6.    Understanding of community resources and services in the area. 

7.    Willingness and ability to engage in physical and social activities in the community with clients.

8.    Ability to build rapport and effectively engage with people of different ages, genders and cultural backgrounds.

9.    Demonstrates and encourages empathy, self-awareness, initiative, and flexibility. 

10. Openness to work with clients using substances. Lived experience with substance use is an asset.

11. Is open to a range of ways of understanding experiences and perspectives. 

12. Encouraging discussion, listening, inspiring hope and modelling recovery. 

13. Models, encourages, and maintains good self-care practices. 

14. Be a role model to those in recovery by sharing common life experiences and practical information relevant to recovery.

15. Ability to work cooperatively with mental health staff, clients, and family members. 

16. Ability to communicate with a vulnerable and culturally diverse population in a respectful manner. 

17. Willingness to respect other people’s right to decline assistance.  

18. Ability to adequately meet clients in the community, access public transportation, use a computer/smartphone, and communicate in a timely manner with staff. 

19. Ability to present in a professional manner and negotiate boundaries of the role. 

20. Have effective strategies for managing wellness and job demands.

21. Ability and willingness to be empathetic, patient, and supportive. 

22. Group facilitation experience is an asset. 

Duration of this contract: 3-month contract, with likelihood of renewal You CANNOTwork at the team or unit where you currently receive service. 

Pay and hours: $21.00 – $24.00 an hour based on level of experience, up to 25 hours maximum a month (including meetings).

Please submit a resume and cover letter to Ela Rutkowski, Occupational Therapist, at Steps Services at ela.rutkowski@vch.ca