Peer Support Worker, Peer Services (Temporary, 6 Month Contract)

POSITION TITLE:                     Peer Support Worker, Peer Services (Temporary, 6 Month Contract)

PROGRAM:                                 Operations – Peer Services

POSITION TYPE:                      Temporary, Part-Time

HOURS OF WORK:                  18 hours per week

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:                          Program Manager, Peer Services and Recovery Recreation

KEY SERVICE RESPONSIBILITIES AND SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Provide individual and group Peer Support offerings for people impacted by mental health and/or addiction issues, through 1:1 appointments, phone/email correspondence, and the facilitation of onsite and offsite recreation opportunities, using the CMHA Calgary Recovery Model.
• Support the learning and development of internal School of Peer Support practicum students.
• 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.
• Remain current with new policies, training, services, resources and legislation applicable to the mental health community and Peer movement.
• Perform administration tasks which support day-to-day operations, and maintain program data entry in a manner that is timely and meets established agency standards.
• Adhere to the values and policies of CMHA Calgary.
• 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 or another formal Peer Support Training program is required.
• Previous experience (volunteering, personal, or paid), preferably in Peer Support, working with individuals and caregivers on mental health challenges or addiction concerns is considered an asset.
• Personal lived experience with a mental health or substance use concern, or with supporting a family member or loved one through their mental health journey.
• Ability to utilize own lived experience to contribute to an individual’s learning and growth.
• Excellent public speaking, group facilitation, and communication skills.
• Responsiveness to sensitive questions/concerns and ability to navigate to the appropriate personnel involved, following or preceding service delivery.
• 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.
• Comfort and competency in working with diverse groups and various community populations.
• 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 service delivery is considered an asset.
• This position is scheduled on shifts that occur primarily in-person, during weekdays. Day-time and evening availability is required. The successful applicant may 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.

DISCLAIMER

As a member of our frontline team you will be exposed to emotionally charged and high stress situations.

Your role may involve emergency response direct interaction with distressed individuals and the management of critical incidents. It is essential that you demonstrate resilience, stress tolerance and ability to maintain composure under pressure.

CMHA Calgary is a smoke-free work environment, there may be occasional exposure to secondhand smoke from designated smoking areas nearby.

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.

Please include the reference number #241112-01-PSW-PT-6M in your email subject line of your application.

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