Peer Support Worker

Job Description

Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM)Contract | Full TimeThe road to recovery is not straight and we acknowledge that everyone’s journey is different. We know how hard it is to seek and accept support you when you are in a dark place. The Peer Support Worker understands this because they have LIVED it. This role is critical to our community, as the Peer Support Worker is one of the first people our RAAM clients are welcomed by. In order to thrive in this role, you must have walked this path yourself and come out successfully on the other side with the stability and skillset to interact comfortably with humans who are active in their disease. You demonstrate mastery of the delicate balance between maintaining professional boundaries while engaging with empathy and compassion. You are an advocate who believes deeply in harm reduction and trauma-informed care.What We Do And Why We Do ItThe RAAM clinic model intends to fill a void in the addiction treatment system by providing immediate access to evidence-based addiction care. Services are low-barrier, accessible and patient centred. The strength of this model is the walk-in nature that meets patient needs the same day. This ‘window of opportunity’ is often missed in the addiction treatment system with long waits for appointments and difficult intake procedures. RAAM services include assessment, treatment planning, case management, psycho-social interventions, and pharmacotherapy.The Peer Support Worker works with clients with addiction as well as with mental, physical and social complexities. Reporting to the RAAM Team Lead and working collaboratively within our Primary Healthcare Team, this is a new role which will evolve based on identified needs of the program. This position is a 6-month contract from the posting date; however, it is subject to change, reporting to the Team Lead.What You Will DoProvide individual peer support for people impacted by substance use using a recovery-oriented framework and harm reduction philosophyPromote peer support philosophy and empower people through their recovery journeyFacilitate a variety of groups Build relationships with clients to understand community context and reduce barriers that limit access to health and social supportApply principles of trauma-informed care in all interactionsRespond to crisis and emergency situations Participate in coalition building and networkingDriving clients to community destinationsAdhere to Peer Support Canada’s Code of Conduct and Standards of PracticeAssist with data collection and entry as directedWhat You BringCompletion of the CMHA Calgary School of Peer Support course considered a strong assetTwo years related experience (volunteering or paid), preferably in peer support working with individuals with substance use or mental health concernsLived experience of a substance use concernFirst Aid (either Standard/Intermediate or Emergency/Basic) - Level C CPR within 30 days of hire date, certification must be valid for a minimum of 6 months upon hireA satisfactory vulnerable sector criminal record clearance is requiredNon-violent Crisis Intervention and Mental Health First Aid and/or ASIST an assetSuperior engagement skillsBase level of computer skills Comfortable working independently and as part of a teamAbility to contribute to a positive work environment and team cultureHigh level of initiative and self-motivationFlexible and adaptable High level of self-awareness Determined and committed to excellence Knowledge of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP) and the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions (TRC) 94 Calls to Action considered an assetWorking Environment1.0 FTE (37.5 hours/week)Primarily based in the main Alex building but requires frequent driving clients to appointments as part of work duties Continuous extended periods of sitting, standing, and walking (sometimes up or down stairwells)Occasional physical action, and requires the ability to bend/crouch, reach above shoulder height, kneel/crawl, and carry objects (up to 20 lbs.) throughout shiftThis position is a 6-month contract from the posting date; however, it is subject to change Occasional time outside in all weather conditions Working ConditionsThis position requires frontline staff in some cases to be exposed to emotionally disturbing events, such as: medical distress, threatened/actual serious injury, violence, abuse, and death; where clients may be experiencing fear, terror, hopelessness, rage, self-harm, and conflict. It is understood and accepted that you will be working in distress/high-stress situations, which may include emergency response where resiliency and stress tolerance and the ability to maintain composure, remain calm and focused is imperative. Note that you may be exposed to bodily fluids. With the health and safety (both physical and mental) of our employees being our priority – the Alex is focused on providing a safe, supportive, and healthy work environment.How To ApplyIf you are as passionate as we are about making a difference in people’s lives, please visit our career centre: Jobs at The Alex | The Alex .This position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. We will make every effort to accommodate candidate’s schedules and needs in all parts of the hiring process.The Alex is committed to embedding the principles of equity, inclusion, and diversity across the organization. We are committed to removing barriers to employment that are faced by equity-seeking groups and encourage (but not require) members of these groups to self-identify as such in their cover letters.In accordance with our strategic priorities, we particularly encourage applications from individuals who self-identify as racialized* or Indigenous (First Nation, Metis, or Inuit).The term “racialized” is used here instead of the more outdated and inaccurate terms “racial minority, “visible minority”, “person of colour”, or “non-White”.For further information about The Alex and its programs, we encourage you to visit our website at www.thealex.ca

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