Peer Support Worker, Assertive Community Treatment Program (ACT) - Mental Health

Detailed Overview

In accordance with established vision and values of the organization, the Peer Support Worker (PSW) shares their own consumer knowledge and lived experience of mental illness / substance use to assist Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) clients to live successfully in the community. The PSW collaborates with the client and the ACT team to meet individual needs and situational requirements. The PSW provides clients with information from a lived experience perspective in order to assist clients in effectively obtaining service from other ACT team staff, external service providers and community resources. They provide a 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. The PSW works in collaboration with the ACT 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 any environment including : the streets, shelters, hospitals, apartments, office. Responsibilities Establishes a dignifying and purposeful relationship with the client, contacting and getting to know the client as a unique individual, and clarifying the role of the Peer Support Worker with the client. In accordance with pre-established care plans, assists 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. In accordance with pre-established care plans, provides information to clients regarding empowerment, self-help education, practical information, resources, life skills, demonstrations. Assists clients with community integration activities, and escorts clients to a comprehensive range of community services and opportunities. Assists with creating an effective and supportive connection between community service providers and ACT clients. Shares information with ACT team members regarding the experience of individuals with mental health conditions and / or substance use experiences. Collaborates with the client and the ACT team to support the client to meet individual needs and situational requirements. Assists the client towards self-managing all aspects of their life, including their mental illness, substance use and other health conditions by such methods as sharing information and lived experience perspective, practical problem-solving, and linkages with peer supports and consumer advocacy groups. Provides supports related to housing including assisting in packing and transporting belongings and furniture and helping the client to set up their household, supporting the client in cleaning, and orienting to and connecting with the local community. Participates in program planning, development, evaluation and quality improvement activities that facilitate team goal setting, by attending meetings and providing input. Prepares and maintains written and computerized records and completes other program documentation, including writing progress notes, completing incident reports and on-call logs. Distributes medication to clients as per established policy and procedure. Maintains an awareness of current community resources including health care services, social, economic, recreational, employment, educational services and resources, and other agencies. Utilizes the information to assist clients to access services and problem solve with the client as required. Ensures a safe and healthy working environment by observing universal precautions and infection control procedures; removing obvious hazards; reporting faulty equipment, accidents, injures, and near misses; and adhering to and enforcing rules, and reporting requirement in acordance with Fraser Health safety policies and procedures. Participates by providing input in staff meetings, quality improvement initiatives, committees and in-services. Performs other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Education and Experience Lived experience of mental illness. Grade 12 Completion of recognized peer support worker training program. One year recent related work experience with an emphasis on mental health, addictions, homelessness and / or social services. Food Safe Certificate. Current valid Class Five BC Driver's License and access to personal vehicle with appropriate insurance coverage. 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. Knowledge of available programs. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Ability to organize and prioritize. 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. 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.