Community Support Counselor - Peer Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY :

The Concurrent Disorders Outpatient Program provides care to persons aged 17 and older presenting with severe and persistent mental illness and active substance use / dependency.

An integrated care model ensures a seamless integration of psychiatric and substance abuse interventions. The Young Adults Substance Use Program (YASUP) is a new stream within the existing Concurrent Disorders Program, providing clinical intervention to individuals ages 17-25.

This position will involve work in both office and community- based settings.

The Community Support Counselor - Peer Specialistparticipates as a member of a multidisciplinary team toprovide assessment, treatment, rehabilitation support, skills teaching and clinical management in clients’ environment of choicefor individuals with severe and persistent mental illness. The Community Support Counselor - Peer Specialist also provides education, support, and consultation to families along with crisis intervention support. Additionally, the Peer Specialist acts as a role model, promoting hope and empowerment in clients’ recovery and enhances team engagement withclients. Individuals who have had significant personal experience with a serious and persistent mental illness and as a consumer of mental health services are strongly encouraged to apply.

QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS REQUIRED :

• Post-secondary education - Completion of 2 year college program in social services or related field
• Minimum 1 year related experience (volunteer or employed) providing peer support in a mental health and / or addiction setting
• Formal training in Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR) an asset
• Personal / lived experience in recovery from substance use challenges
• Participates as a member of a multi-disciplinary team by sharing personal / practical experience, knowledge and first-hand insight benefiting the team and clients
• Collaborates with others to promote a team culture that works from a client-centered, harm reduction, trauma informed and anti-oppressive approach to service
• Provides peer counselling and client support from a strengths-based perspective, in order to promote health and wellness
• Provides expertise and consultation from an addictions recovery perspective including harm reduction and the provision of Naloxone
• Providing outreach in community settings
• Excellent assessment, crisis intervention, problem solving and organizational skills
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and organizational skills and demonstrated ability to function effectively in a team
• Demonstrated ability to be flexible in work assignments
• Demonstrated competence in the facilitation of addictions / concurrent disorder treatment groups
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills in providing formal and informal support to family members
• Current First Aid / CPR certification
• CPI-Crisis Prevention Training (or successful completion as part of clinical orientation) required
• Demonstrated commitment to personal professional development
• Knowledge of housing, social, financial, vocational and other community resources
• Ability to work effectively under pressure
• Valid driver’s license, adequate insurance and access to a car

HOURS OF WORK :

Monday to Friday; days with the possibility of extended hours.

This program will be co-located with the concurrent disorder out-patient program at the West 5th site but will require independent work in the community

St. Joe’s fosters an environment where we celebrate diversity, where teams reflect the diversity of the community in which we serve, enhancing the connection to patients, clients, community, and each other.

J-18808-Ljbffr