Peer Support Worker

Through their own lived experience(s) with addictions, homelessness and/or mental health illnesses, the Peer Support Worker - Safeworks Connect offers hope to clients by sharing their story, offering mentorship and support; advocating for client needs; and supporting an integrated and harm reduction oriented experience in and around the Supervised Consumption Site (SCS) and broader programming. The role also includes delivery of harm reduction supplies, supervised consumption clinical interventions (e.g. overdose response support), education, Naloxone kit distribution, needle debris pick up and referrals to other health & social services. The Peer Support Worker - Safeworks Connect may also assist clients to appointments, liaising with community and AHS programs, supporting the multidisciplinary team, and works side-by-side with an Outreach Worker. Safeworks Connect is a new program that focuses on building relationships by being present to foster health communities. This includes providing services to clients accessing the Sheldon M Chumir Health Centre (SMCHC) SCS, community based outreach to residents and business owners surrounding the SMCHC, needle debris pick-up and connecting with community partners (e.g. Calgary Police Service, Alpha House DOAP Team, City of Calgary, SMCHC Programs). The team’s primary values include integrity, compassion and innovation. Safeworks is a pioneer in facilitating access to comprehensive harm reduction care for vulnerable populations. This is your chance to be a part of this groundbreaking team! This position has transitioned to Recovery Alberta effective September 1, 2024. By applying on this posting, if you are the successful candidate, you agree to and will become an employee of Recovery Alberta.

As a Peer Support Worker, you will provide interventions and supports that are complementary to the work of a multi-disciplinary outreach team. The team functions together to provide treatment, rehabilitation and support services for the diverse needs of clients navigating life impacting experiences. Through your own lived experience(s), and experiences of recovery and resilience, as the Peer Support Worker, you can authentically inspire hope to clients by sharing your story, offering mentorship and support; advocating for client needs; and supporting an integrated and resiliency/recovery-oriented health care and treatment experience.

Please refer to the Additional Required Qualifications.

Completion of grade 12 or equivalent. Current Basic Cardiac Life Support - Healthcare Provider (BCLS-HCP). Minimum two years’ experience working with diverse and marginalized populations, particularly the homeless (work or volunteer). Lived experience with addictions, homelessness and/or mental health illness (must identify in cover letter). Must be willing to share one’s personal experience(s). Established ability to maintain healthy boundaries is necessary. Knowledge and experience of the principles and practice of harm reduction. As this is a new program, we are looking for a diplomatic, multi-tasker, who is able to work in a fast-paced environment and work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team. In addition, someone who is able to adapt to change and communicate effectively to their team.

Outreach experience. Completion of a recognized peer support-training program. Previous experience in a health care setting or in a human services field outside of health care setting. Knowledge of an Indigenous language & culture. Knowledge of systemic issues such as poverty and stigma. Ongoing participation in the Peer Support Community of Practice offered by CMHA. Post-secondary education applicable to the position. Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training. Mental Health First Aid.