Peer Support Worker

Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre (SMCHC) is the home of AHS’ community-based supervised consumption site (SCS). The SCS services are part of a range of evidence-based services that support prevention, harm reduction and treatment for Albertans living with substance use challenges. SCS provides a place where people can use drugs in a monitored, hygienic environment to reduce harm from substance use while offering wrap-around services such as counselling, social work and referrals to services such as housing and treatment (e.g. opioid-dependency treatment, detox). Through their own lived experience(s) with addictions, homelessness and/or mental health illnesses, the Peer Support Worker - SCS 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 within the SCS space 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 may also assist clients to appointments, liaising with community and AHS programs, and supporting the multidisciplinary team. Safeworks is a pioneer in facilitating access to comprehensive care for vulnerable populations. This is your chance to be a part of this ground-breaking program! 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. Working with a multidisciplinary team.

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. Mental health first aid.