Overview
The Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society (KAFS) Peer Assisted Care Team (PACT) 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.
Job Summary:
Reporting to the K-PACT Manager in an emergency. 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 experiencing crisis in Kamloops.
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
Requirements – what you bring to KAFS:
- 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
- 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
- Non-violent Crisis Intervention Training
- 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 driver’s license is desirable.
Hours and Schedule:
Monday to Friday 4pm to 12am evening shift, 37.5 hours per week.
Preference will be given to applicants of Aboriginal ancestry as per section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code
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