Peer Support Worker | Assertive Community Treatment Team

Position Summary
We have an exciting permanent full-time opportunity for a Peer Support Worker 1 to join the Mental Health Substance Use Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team in Kamloops, B.C.

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.

Who are we looking for?

We are seeking a compassionate, recovery-oriented Peer Support Worker who can draw on their own lived experience of mental illness and/or substance use to build authentic, respectful and purposeful relationships with clients. The ideal candidate brings strong interpersonal and communication skills, sound judgment, empathy, and a commitment to self-determination, choice, harm reduction and community integration.
The successful candidate is someone comfortable working collaboratively within an Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team and supporting individuals in a variety of community settings, including shelters, hospitals, homes and on the street. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to use their lived experience appropriately and professionally to provide hope, practical support, life-skills assistance, resource navigation and advocacy, while maintaining clear boundaries, confidentiality and respect for each client’s unique goals and choices. We are looking for someone who will be adaptable, non-judgmental and resourceful, with the ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team in a dynamic community-based environment.

What we offer:

• Competitive salary and an attractive remuneration package
• Career Growth
• Employer paid vacation (as 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 is with the Assertive Community Treatment team which is an outreach team supporting clients with severe and persistent mental illness.

The Peer Support Worker (PSW) utilizes their own lived experience of substance use and/or mental health, experience enacting their own wellness plan, and knowledge of accessing healthcare, services and supports combined with peer support training and skills to assist MHSU clients to identify and meet their 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 determining aspects of the care plan, identifying, developing and implementing programming to meet the client’s goals, assessing progress and adapting or changing the plan as needed. The PSW coaches the client to strengthen and apply self-determination in all aspects of their care plan and in cases where the client can’t express their needs, the PSW is responsible to advocate on their behalf from a lens of lived experience. The PSW provides supportive counselling, wellness planning, case management, formal advocacy, life skills assistance, information, resources, and demonstrations.

About this department

The ACT program is a team treatment approach designed to provide comprehensive, community-based psychiatric treatment, rehabilitation, and support to persons with serious and persistent mental illness such as schizophrenia. Among the services ACT teams provide are: case management, initial and ongoing assessments; psychiatric services; employment and housing assistance; family support and education; substance abuse services.

Scheduling Information:

Shift types are days and shift types are from 08:30 to 16:30 hours

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 have a certificate relevant to the position and experience with mental health, apply today!

Qualfications
Education, Training and Experience:

• Lived experience of mental illness.
• Grade 12
• Completion of recognized peer support worker training program; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• One-year recent related work experience with an emphasis on mental health, addictions, homelessness and/or social services.
• Appropriate valid BC driver’s license (Class 5)

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 education (Certificate/Diploma)