Peer Supporter, Wellness Collaborative and Drop-In Centres

About this position

POSITION TITLE: Peer Supporter, Wellness Collaborative & Drop-In Centres

DEPARTMENT/PROGRAM: Wellness Collaborative & Drop-In Centres

REPORTS TO: Drop-In Centres Manager

PURPOSE: 

Lance Krasman Memorial Centre for Community Mental Health provides programs and services to enhance the lives of individuals with mental health and addiction challenges to promote and sustain recovery and wellness.  Krasman Centre is unique in that our agency is led and run by people with lived experience of mental health and/or addiction challenges, as well as family members/caregivers.

We are currently seeking an individual with personal lived experience relating to substance use and addiction to provide peer support through our Wellness Collaborative and Drop-In Centre Programs. The role of the Peer Supporter, Wellness Collaborative & Drop-In Centres is uniquely positioned to act as a bridge between our northern locations, engaging peers visiting our Drop-In Centres in the programs, education and supports offered by The Wellness Collaborative.

Please note: This is a TEMPORARY, FULL TIME contract position covering an employee leave of absence.

LOCATION: 17 Paris St., Alliston and 102 Main St. S, Newmarket*. Travel to other programming locations may be required. Independent access to transportation is essential.

* Due to COVID-19, the Newmarket Drop-In is currently closed with no immediate plans to re-open

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Wellness Collaborative:

• Liaise with the Wellness Collaborative team and attend regular meetings to help with the promotion and registration of programs that empower, educate and connect individuals impacted by addiction
• Educate and empower individuals impacted by substance use and addiction to make informed decision about theirs and their loved ones’ substance use
• Act as the point of contact for The Wellness Collaborative at the Alliston & Newmarket Drop-in Centres
• Compile basic data about the individuals and groups they’ve engaged through Wellness Collaborative programming and submit regular reports to Operations Manager
• Participate in public education, outreach functions and activities and public relations / marketing opportunities as designated by respective program leads

Drop-In Centres:

• Maintain a safe welcoming space for peers visiting the Drop-In Centre, using the Comfort Agreement, Peer Values and our Policies and Procedures (guided by legislation from various levels of government) as a guide
• Maintain the physical Drop-In Centre by cleaning using the appropriate procedures and personal protective equipment
• Work as a team to problem solve and effectively meet the needs of Centre visitors, daily
• Build rapport and provide basic needs support and harm reduction supplies as needed
• Collaborate with and offer access to information on advocacy, self-help, recovery/wellness, crisis planning and prevention and empowerment tools
• Provide opportunities for individuals to participate in peer-led recovery education groups                        
• Engage in limited assessment, using the least harmful and non-stigmatizing language, and carryout in collaboration with the participant
• Build, maintain and strengthen working relationships with community service providers.
• Complete documentation, including petty cash reconciliation, monthly, quarterly and annual reports and collect/enter statistical data as required
• Occasional support with shopping for Centre supplies
• Practice and promote harm reduction and anti-oppression principles
• Attend internal staff meetings and staff training as required
• Maintain the confidentiality of all visitors and agency information at all times
• Be available during non-traditional hours including some evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Other duties as assigned

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY

All employees are responsible for carrying out work in a way that does not adversely affect their own health and safety and that of others.  All employees are expected to learn, understand and adhere to health and safety policies and procedures.

EDUCATION, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:

We encourage you to apply whether or not you believe you have the listed skills and education. Your lived experience is invaluable and on the job training is always available!

• Must be able to work from a position of lived experience, as it relates to substance use/addiction, and be able to draw upon wellness and recovery principles in providing intentional peer support.
• Experience in group facilitation based on recovery-oriented approaches. Qualification to facilitate WRAP and FWRAP is a strong asset, but not required.
• Experience providing peer support, either in a formal or informal capacity
• Knowledge of the mental health system and the needs of those impacted by substance use and addiction.
• Willingness to work a variety of hours including evenings, weekends and public holidays.
• Ability to work with minimum supervision.
• Ability to engage in participant interactions, which negotiate complex boundaries of self-disclosure and appropriate working relationships.
• In-depth knowledge of recovery and peer support movements
• Ability to apply Recovery Principles and empowerment-oriented philosophies and practices in work with participants
• Knowledge and skills in applying harm-reduction principles
• Knowledge and skills in providing support from an anti-racist, anti-oppression framework
• Knowledge and experience in providing trauma-informed peer support
• Ability to meet and engage participants “where they are at”
• Understanding of the issues faced by those experiencing homelessness or insecure housing
• Ability to offer advocacy and peer support skills that are person-centered
• Knowledge of local community mental health services and other resources, including formal and informal supports
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, G-Suite (Gmail, Google Calendars, etc.) and ability to perform independent research using a multitude of resources
• Proficiency in multiple languages is an asset

SCHEDULE/WORKING CONDITIONS:

Full-time, 3-month contract, starting as soon as possible. Some weekend and evening shifts may be required.

This Job Posting was written as the Peer Supporter, WC & Drop-In Centres position is intended to operate. At this time, we are offering altered services due to guidance from various levels of public health, regarding COVID-19.  As essential service providers, the responsibilities and working conditions related to this and all other positions within The Krasman Centre may vary slightly as we progress through this global pandemic.

How to Apply:

Email us your resume and a letter explaining what makes you a great candidate for this position. Please send to Kalisha k.goodberry@krasmancentre.com and Julie julie.shand@krasmancentre.com.

Please quote “Peer Supporter, WC & Drop-Ins” in the title of your email.

Posting closes: December 4th, 2020

Krasman Centre is a progressive work environment committed to employment equity, and promotion of diversity in the workplace. Those who would contribute to the further diversification of the organization are welcome to apply and include, but are not limited to, members of racialized, immigrant, indigenous and 2-SLGBTQ+ communities, and people with disabilities.

If you require assistance with the application process or wish to receive this posting in an alternate format, please contact us:

General email address: postmaster@krasmancentre.com, Toll free phone #: 1-888-780-0724,

Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process as per the Ontario Human Rights Code.