Peer Support Worker | MHSU Homelessness

Position Summary
We have an exciting relief part time (0.60 FTE) opportunity for a Peer Support Worker to join the Mental Health Substance Use (MHSU) Homelessness team in Kelowna, B.C. This relief position is until the return of the incumbent.

Interior Health and our partner agencies provide a range of mental health and substance use services for all ages. We strive to ensure that our services are welcoming of all peoples, gender identities, cultures, ethnicities and backgrounds.

What we offer:

• Competitive salary and an attractive remuneration package
• Career Growth
• Employer paid training/education
• Employer paid vacation (per collective agreement)
• Employer paid insurance premiums
• Extended Health & Dental coverage
• Contribution to Municipal Pension Plan
• Balanced lifestyle

What will you work on?

This position works within a multidisciplinary substance use team within MHSU. We are looking for someone with lived personal experience with substance use.

The Peer Support Worker (PSW) shares their own lived experience of substance use, mental health and their knowledge of accessing healthcare, services and supports to assist MHSU clients in their identified goals. The PSW identifies themselves as a Peer and collaborates with the client and the MHSU team to meet individual needs and situational requirements by providing information from a lived experience perspective in order to assist clients in obtaining service from other MHSU team staff, external service providers and community resources more effectively. The PSW provides a variety of supports to assist clients living with substance use/mental illness such as emotional and social supports, life skills assistance, information, resources, and demonstrations.

The PSW works in collaboration with the MHSU team so that the client’s self-identified goals for recovery and community integration are supported by appropriate services and practices, are consistent with the values of self-determination /choice and harm reduction. Services are provided in a variety of environments dependent on the needs of the client.

Scheduling Information:

Shift types are from 09:00 to 15:06 hours. Days of work are Monday to Thursday.

How will you create an impact?

Joining our IH team will allow you to challenge yourself professionally while enjoying all the personal pursuits available to you within this fantastic community.

Reasons to Apply at Interior Health... What we can do for you

We offer a work environment conducive to growth and development of strong skills and a work environment that supports and promotes psychological health & safety for all. We offer the opportunity to have a balanced lifestyle that allows you to maintain the quality of life you desire.

If you are an experienced mental health professional and have at least two years of lived experience in recovery from substance use or co-occurring substance and are passionate about helping those in our community, apply today!

Qualfications
Education, Training and Experience:

• Two years of lived experience in recovery from substance use or co-occurring substance use and mental illness.

• Certificate in a Social Services program and successful completion of a recognized Peer Support Training program plus two (2) years recent related experience in a peer support role or an equivalent combination of education, training, peer support and employment experience

• Appropriate valid BC driver’s license. (Class V)

As part of your application, please ensure to:

• Upload your resume, cover letter (if Out of Province indicate if you are relocating to the area and when)
• Upload a copy of your Diploma/Certificate

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to engage clients.
• Ability to establish and maintain rapport with clients and their families.
• Ability to work with a culturally diverse population.
• Working knowledge of community, social, & health programs and resources
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Ability to analyze and problem solve.
• Ability to model, instruct and teach life skills.
• Ability to observe and recognize changes in clients.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to use effective interpersonal skills to establish/maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, the public and other agencies.
• Ability to promote positive change and independence.
• Conflict resolution and crisis intervention skills.
• Physical and mental ability to carry out the duties of the position.
• Ability to operate related equipment including proficiency in relevant computer applications.