29 Mar
The Alex.
Calgary
Peer Support Worker – Ref. No. 21034
HomeBase
Permanent | Full-Time
The Alex: Changing Health. Changing Lives. The Alex Community Health Centre is a not-for-profit organization that is changing how
we look at health care in Calgary. Our health, housing and food programs support our most vulnerable neighbours, tackling tough
health and social issues head-on. Using a multi-disciplinary team approach, we focus care on assessment, intervention and
promotion of all aspects of health. We embrace a model of health care that is accessible, responsive and participatory. In addition to
the Community Health Centre, we run a Seniors Health Centre, a Youth Centre, two Mobile Community Health Buses, one Dental
Health Bus, four Housing First Programs, and a Community Food Centre.
What we do and why we do it:
HomeBase is a housing-first program that services formerly homeless men and women. Our philosophy is that everyone is entitled
to appropriate housing and the supports they need to sustain that housing. We deliver service within an Intensive Case
Management Model and adhere to the principles of harm reduction, housing first and strength-based practice.
The Peer Support Worker will provide ongoing support to formerly homeless individuals as they establish permanent housing, with a
special emphasis on cultural supports. This individual encourages and empowers individuals experiencing addictions and mental,
physical, and social complexities. Working alongside case management teams and housing support specialists, this position will draw
on their lived experience to support participants achieve housing stability, establish community connections, and with their recovery
journey. This is a full-time permanent position.
What you will do:
- Work in a multi-disciplinary team of professionals
- Build relationships with participants to understand community and cultural context and work to reduce barriers that limit
access health and social support
- Empower individuals to access available resources
- Promote and/or facilitate involvement in health and community-based activities; may involve accompanying individuals to
internal appointments and programs
- Willingness to participate in related service offerings and assist with other staff duties
- Liaise among natural supports, community agencies, and sector partners
- Offer client-centered and culturally informed services
- Advise coworkers on culturally appropriate strategies and resources.
- Data collection and entry as required
- Other duties as required
What you bring:
- Knowledge of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP) and the Truth and
Reconciliation Commissions (TRC) 94 Calls to Action.
- Understanding of Indigenous cultural traditions, protocols, history and contemporary issues
- A desire to recognize, prioritize, and contextualize issues related to health and social inequity in Canada
- Two years of experience in a social service setting (volunteer or paid) preferred
- Experience working with vulnerable populations with significant mental health and substance use issues an asset
- Exceptional communication, organization, advocacy, teaching, and rapport-building skills
- Commitment to contributing positively to team culture
- Openness to a wide scope of practice with commitment to innovation and flexibility
- Proficiency establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with participants, associates, and other
community agencies
- Certificate in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention/De-escalation or equivalent preferred, or willingness to obtain within
three months of employment
- Standard First Aid Level C – CPR & AED Training is mandatory
- Class 5 non-GDL driver’s license, a personal vehicle, clean drivers abstract, and $2 million liability insurance are strong
assets.
- Familiarity and/or experience with Peer Support considered a strong asset
Working Environment & Hours of Work:
- Monday through Friday
- Typically, 8:30 to 4:30 with the need for flexibility in order to respond to participant needs
- Most work is completed in the community in which our participants live
Why You Want to Work with Us:
The Alex is an innovative and diverse organization which seeks to invest in its employees and see them succeed in their chosen
careers. If you are seeking a deeply rewarding, yet challenging career helping Calgary’s vulnerable populations, this might be the
place for you!
- Group Benefits after 3 months
- 3-paid weeks of Vacation
- Paid Wellness and Personal Days
- RRSP Matching after 6 months
- Reimbursement of Professional Designation fees
- Investment in Professional Development
- Health and Lifestyle Enhancement benefit
How to apply:
If you are as passionate as we are about making a difference in people’s lives, please submit your resume to [email protected] and be
sure to include the job title and reference number in the subject line. This position will remain open until a suitable candidate is
found.
For further information about The Alex and its programs, we encourage you to visit our website at www.thealex.ca
We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
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