CRCL Peer Support Worker

Lower Mainland Purpose Society for Youth and Families (Purpose Society)

Lower Mainland Purpose Society for Youth and Families (Purpose Society)

Position: CRCL Peer Support Worker

Work Site: 40 Begbie St., New Westminster BC

Salary: $28.00/hour

Job Types: Casual/On-Call

(Multiple positions: 7 am – 3:30 pm / 3 pm – 11:30 pm; Weekdays & Weekends)

Who We Are

Purpose Society is a community-based multi-service organization dedicated to delivering comprehensive programs for children, youth, and families. We focus on enhancing well-being, strengthening family functioning, and promoting personal responsibility through a client-centered approach. Our services are provided in a safe, respectful environment that values diversity and community connection.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a passionate and committed CRCL Peer Support Worker to join our innovative team and make a meaningful difference in our community. The Crisis Response Community Led (CRCL) team provides an alternative to the presence of police personnel at mental health crisis calls in New Westminster. The teams offer crisis support services that integrate cultural safety protocols and holistic care options for callers in crisis aged 13 years and older. 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.

What You’ll Do

• Respond to emergency mental health crisis calls and provide situational assessment and crisis de-escalation
• Provides 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
• Complete all required training including, but not limited to crisis intervention/de-escalation, ASIST, Mental Health First Aid, community safety training, Naloxone, Trauma-Informed Practices

What We Are Looking For

• A certificate in Social Services or the equivalent from a two-year program and related experience or a minimum of 4 years experience of community mental health and addictions
• Lived experience of mental health and/or substance use (including experiences of homelessness, poverty and other marginalization).
• Knowledge of crisis assessments, concurrent disorders, homelessness, crisis intervention strategies, trauma-informed practice, strengths-based models, client-centred and recovery-oriented approaches
• Understanding and knowledge of working with persons with mental health and/or addictions issues as well as an understanding of systemic barriers and social determinants of health
• Knowledge of systemic and structural factors that impact Black, Indigenous, radicalized and LGBTQ2S+ communities
• Knowledge and/or experience of community services
• Knowledge of common drugs, their effects, and the toxic drug crisis
• Advanced overdose recognition and response training
• Current First Aid and CPR certification
• NVCI Training
• Peer support training considered an asset
• Ability to maintain a non-judgmental and non-stigmatizing approach is required
• Willingness to participate in on the job on-going training and take outside training
• Good verbal and written communication and problem-solving skills
• A valid Class 5 driver’s license is desirable

Why Work With Us

Join our mission-driven organization and help create positive change in people’s lives. By working with us, you’ll be part of a dedicated team that:

• Provides essential services to vulnerable populations
• Fosters personal growth and healthy decision-making
• Contributes to community well-being in the Lower Mainland

Required:

• 3 Professional references from supervisors
• Criminal record check
• Valid First Aid Certificate (OFA1 or equivalent)

How to Apply

Interested candidates should contact our HR Coordinator: [email protected]