Peer Support Specialist - Vancouver, Canada - Coast Foundation Society 1974

Coast Foundation Society 1974

Verified Company

Vancouver, Canada

2 weeks ago

Posted by:

Sophia Lee

beBee Recruiter

Description

JOB SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Young Adult Program Manager, the Peer Support Specialist (PSS) shares their lived experience of mental illness/substance use to assist CMH Young Adult Program clients to build on their strengths to manage their health and live richer lives.

The PSS provides clients with information from a lived experience perspective in order to assist clients in effectively services and required resources.

This position provides variety of supports to assist clients living with mental illness/substance use such as emotional and social supports, life skills assistance, information, resources and demonstrations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Ensuring that clients are provided with appropriate support to match them wherever they are in their journey towards recovery.
Be familiar with the specific challenges that Young Adults (age 19 to 32) face in mental health and substance use; including accessing services;
Aim to help them learn the skills to live increasingly independently while maintaining their mental and physical health and getting to know the client as a unique individual, and clarifying the role of the Peer Support Specialist with the client;
Supports clients with the development of life skills such as maintaining personal hygiene, housekeeping, meal planning and preparation, meeting financial obligations, making and keeping appointments, and interpersonal skills by methods such as demonstrating and modeling appropriate actions;
Assists the client with community integration activities, and may escort clients to a comprehensive range of community services and opportunities;
Assists with creating an effective and supportive connection between community service providers and the client;
Collaborates with the client and the CMH team to support the client to achieve individual goals, needs and situational requirements;
Participates in program planning, development, evaluation and quality improvement activities that facilitate team goal setting, by attending meetings and providing input;
Participates in recovery group planning and delivery such as WRAP, Goal planning, psychoeducation groups
Prepares and maintains written and computerized records and completes other program documentation, including writing progress notes, completing incident reports and oncall logs;
Maintains an awareness of current community resources including health care services, social, economic, recreational, employment, educational services and resources, and other agencies: utilize the information to assist the client to access services and problem solve with the client as required.
Maintains knowledge and understanding of, and comply with all CMH policies and procedures as outlined in the policy and procedures and other documentation;
Other related duties as appropriate and required;

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Lived experience of mental illness;
Completion of Grade 12; and a diploma or certificate in mental health, social services or equivalent experience.
Completion of a recognized Peer Support Specialist training program or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience;
One year recent related work experience with an emphasis on mental illness/substance use;
Thorough knowledge of mental health recovery principles and trauma informed care;
Ability to engage clients;
Ability to establish and maintain rapport with clients and their supports;
Ability to work with a culturally diverse population;
Experience with street entrenched youth and Young Adults, including working with people facing multiple barriers and homelessness
Understand the principles of psychosocial rehabilitation.
Knowledge of community resources and programs;
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing;
Ability to organize and prioritize;
Ability to analyze and problem solve;
Good motivational skills.
Ability to model, instruct and demonstrate life skills;
Ability to observe and recognize changes in clients;
Ability to work independently; and in cooperation with others
Ability to promote positive change and independence;
Conflict resolution, risk assessment and crisis intervention skills;
Physical and mental ability to carry out the duties of the position;
Ability to manage group settings with dynamic, high intensity mental health and addiction challenges