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 :

Requirements

Benefits

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).