PSW Work Opportunity – Richmond (Closing Date: August 6th, 2024)

Job description

Job Title: Peer Support Specialist (Substance Use Focus)
Location: Richmond, BC
Organization: Richmond Mental Health Consumer and Friends Society (RCFC)

Funding: Vancouver Coastal Health

Reports To: Peer Recovery Outreach & Support Program Coordinator

Position Type: Part-Time (12 hours weekly, Monday to Friday, daytime)

Wage Rate: $23 per hour with paid sick time and vacation

Location of Work: In-person at various sites in the Richmond community, Vancouver Coastal Health healthcare settings, and, if needed, virtual (delivered via Zoom) from home.

Position Summary:
The Peer Support Specialist supports clients with substance use disorders, helping them achieve personal goals and offering outreach and assistance in various settings. The specialist will provide a range of non-clinical peer-based services, including individual peer support, community outreach, facilitating peer-based recovery groups, and conducting information sessions.


Key Responsibilities:

• Work collaboratively within a team and communicate client goals and progress to referring sources and relevant healthcare professionals.
• Promote empowerment, self-determination, and independence through peer mentorship, emotional support, and rapport building using recovery-oriented approaches.
• Provide one-on-one and interim crisis support for clients at all stages of change in their substance use recovery journey.
• Assist clients in identifying and overcoming barriers related to substance use.
• Develop and implement individualized support plans based on client goals.
• Facilitate skill-building, community integration, and the development of natural supports through non-judgmental, strength-based conversations and person-centered goal setting.
• Offer low-barrier support and outreach to individuals who may be street-entrenched or experiencing homelessness.

Administrative Duties:

• Attend bi-weekly payroll/debriefing meetings and maintain accurate records of hours and expenses.
• Complete timesheets, manage expense receipts, and prepare them for reimbursement.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Knowledge of substance use, harm- reduction, and community resources relevant to the client base.
• Strong conflict resolution skills and the ability to address challenging behaviors diplomatically and constructively.
• Proficiency in providing support using cultural safety and humility, harm reduction, and trauma-informed care principles.
• Ethical approach to maintaining professional boundaries while supporting vulnerable clients from diverse backgrounds with complex mental health and substance use issues.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
• Understanding of the experiences of Indigenous peoples in Canada, including the impacts of colonization, discrimination, and structural violence on health and wellbeing.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Successful completion of a recognized certificate in peer support, including a minimum 40-hour practicum, or willingness to complete training within six months of employment.
• Lived experience and recovery from substance use and as a recipient of substance use and mental health services.
• Minimum of one-year ongoing sobriety.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification or willingness to complete training.
• Minimum of one-year recent experience in a peer support role or an equivalent combination of education, training, and peer support experience.
• Successful completion of a vulnerable sector check.
• Class 5 Driver’s License, clean Drivers Abstract, and reliable vehicle are assets.

Many forms of education and experience are valued, including volunteering, and lived experience. 

While candidates who do not meet the *experience and qualifications outlined in the posting may not be considered, an exceptional cover letter and relevant transferable skills may compensate for a lack of experience.

*Lived experience and recovery from substance use is a requirement.


How to Apply:
Please submit a cover letter and resume to:

Sarah Stern
sarah.stern@vch.ca
Richmond Mental Health Consumer and Friends’ Society (RCFC)
210-7671 Alderbridge Way, Richmond, BC V6X 1Z9


A full job description is available upon request.
Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.

Closing Date: August 6th, 2024