Peer Support Worker (Casual)

POSITION TITLE:                    Peer Support Worker

PROGRAM:                              Operations – Recovery Team

POSITION TYPE:                     Casual

HOURS OF WORK:                 Daytime and Evening

POSITION SUMMARY:          The Peer Support Worker is responsible for excellence in peer support competencies, and providing individual and group peer support resulting in the delivery of positive, compassionate services and strengths-based problem-solving skills.

REPORTS TO:                           Recovery Team Lead

KEY SERVICE RESPONSIBILITIES AND SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Provide individual and group peer support for people impacted by mental health and/or addiction issues using the CMHA Recovery Model.
• Co-facilitate CMHA Calgary Recovery College sessions.
• Promote the peer support philosophy and empower people through their recovery journey, as measured by the Recovery Assessment Scale (RAS).
• Provide intra-agency presentations on peer support, community resources, CMHA services and the value of peer support.
• Participate in coalition building and networking with community groups and individuals to address common needs and issues and to further the peer support movement.
• Remain current with new policies, training, services, resources and legislation applicable to the mental health community and peer movement.
• Participate in the CMHA facilitated ‘Peer Support Community of Practice’.
• Adhere to the values and policies of CMHA.
• Promote the principles of diversity and equity in all work-related duties, wherever applicable.
• Other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Completion of the CMHA Calgary School of Peer Support.
• Experience (volunteering, personal or paid), preferably in peer support, working with individuals with mental health challenges or addiction concerns considered an asset.
• Understands how to utilize own lived experience to contribute to an individual’s learning and growth.
• Excellent public speaking, group facilitation, training, and communication skills.
• Responsiveness to sensitive questions/concerns and ability to navigate to the appropriate personnel involved, following or preceding a group session.
• Self-awareness and self-management.
• Positively contribute to work environment/culture.
• Able to engage in active listening, and provide and accept constructive feedback.
• Effective conflict resolution, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Knowledge of local mental health and/or addiction systems and community services.
• Non-violent Crisis Intervention and ASIST training, or experience working with people in crisis or experiencing suicidal feelings/tendencies are considered an asset.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• A valid driver’s license, access to a reliable vehicle, and willingness to travel across Calgary and surrounding communities for session delivery is considered an asset.
• This position is scheduled on shifts that occur primarily during weekdays. Day-time and evening availability is required. The successful applicant will occasionally be required to work weekends.
• This job requires a mix of sitting, standing and moving, with a balance between computer-based work and verbal communication. The candidate may be required to balance priorities between different stakeholders.

The COVID-19 vaccination is a job requirement and a condition of employment. Offers of employment will be conditional upon proof of full immunization against COVID-19 with a Health Canada approved vaccine, prior to the candidates’ start date.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

Application closing date: The posting will remain active on the website until the position is filled.

Candidates meeting the above criteria who wish to apply for this exciting opportunity should email their cover letter and resume to Human Resources at careers@cmha.calgary.ab.ca.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted.