Peer Support Crisis Worker (Casual)

Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society (KAFS) was established in 1972 and is a non-profit organization with a status free open-door policy. KAFS is dedicated to empowering the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities of Kamloops and surrounding areas. KAFS provides culturally appropriate programs and inclusive services that meet the needs of urban Indigenous people to become healthier, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

THE OPPORTUNITY:

The Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society (KAFS) Crisis Response, Community Led (CRCL) is a newly launched program and will provide an alternative to the presence of police personnel at mental health crisis calls in Kamloops. The team will provide crisis support services that will integrate cultural safety protocols and holistic care options. The mobile team is comprised of a mental health professional and a peer (someone with lived or living experience) will be available during scheduled service hours. This program aims to reduce the harms experienced by people who have mental health and addictions challenges as well as Black, Indigenous, racialized, LGBTQ2+ and other marginalized individuals.

The Mobile Peer Support Crisis Worker will incorporate experiences in crisis assessment and intervention, de-escalation, harm reduction, suicide prevention, liaise with family members and community members, facilitate client empowerment, anti-oppressive practice, client-centred and recover-oriented care, trauma informed practice, culturally competent care to support individuals 13 years of age and older experiencing mental health and/or substance use related crises in Kamloops.

• This position operates on an as-needed basis to support the full-time team by covering vacations, sick leave, wellness days, and emergencies. Applicants must be available for at least one of the following shifts: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM or 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM. Shift schedules may be adjusted as the program evolves to meet community needs. If an employee’s availability does not align with open shifts, they are required to complete one shadow shift per month to remain current with program expectations, policies, and procedures.
• This position includes an initial training period of approximately 100 hours, which is completed through a blend of online, on-site, and off-site sessions. Availability for full-day training sessions is required. The training plan is set by the CRCL Program Manager and must be completed within the first three months of employment.

A DAY IN THE LIFE – ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supports police or provide an alternative to police intervention at mental health crisis situations
• Utilizes their personal experiences of mental health and addictions to employ de-escalation strategies and provide suicide and risk assessments and interventions
• Employs strong assessment skills to develop safety and support plans to address immediate, intermediate and long-term client needs
• Works collaboratively with the person, their family and other health service providers to facilitate access to community resources as needed
• Participates in community outreach and liaison opportunities with key stakeholders and partners and maintains trusting, respectful and collaborative relationships with clients, families, colleagues, referral sources, service providers and the public
• Maintains accurate and timely client records and actively participates in evaluating the project.
• Work outdoors in all types of weather and in all seasons
• Perform other related duties as assigned or required.

Requirements

• Lived or living experience with mental health and/or substance use, including experiences of homelessness, poverty, and other forms of marginalization.
• Certificate in Social Services (or equivalent two-year program) with related experience, or a minimum of 4 years’ experience in community mental health and addictions.
• Knowledge and experience in crisis assessments, concurrent disorders, trauma-informed practice, strengths-based and client-centered approaches, recovery-oriented models, and crisis intervention strategies.
• Understanding of systemic barriers, social determinants of health, and the structural factors affecting Black, Indigenous, racialized, and LGBTQ2S+ communities.
• Knowledge of community services, common drugs and their effects, and the toxic drug crisis, including advanced overdose recognition and response.
• Commitment to honor Indigenous communities and ways of knowing, approaching the ongoing impacts of colonial violence with humility.
• Certified in First Aid and CPR, Non-violent Crisis Intervention, and Mental Health First Aid; willingness to participate in ongoing on-the-job and external training (e.g., ASIST, crisis intervention/de-escalation, community safety, Naloxone, Trauma-Informed Practices).
• Ability to maintain a non-judgmental and non-stigmatizing approach with individuals.
• Strong verbal and written communication, problem-solving skills, and interpersonal abilities.
• Valid Class 5 Drivers License.

Benefits

• Training wage of $28 per hour for the first 100 hours of employment
• Upon successful completion of training, wage increases to $33 to $36 per hour (post-training wage is determined by skill set, experience, and the established wage grid)

Preference will be given to applicants of Aboriginal ancestry as per section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code (please self-identity in your cover letter).