Peer Support Coordinator

Job Summary

Foundry is removing barriers and increasing access to health and wellness services for young people ages 12–24 and their caregivers through a network of youth-friendly centres across British Columbia and online. By offering integrated mental health care, substance use services, primary and sexual health care, youth and family peer support and social services, Foundry makes it easier for young people to find support in their communities. Online resources and first-of-its-kind virtual care further broaden Foundry's reach.

 

The Peer Support Program Coordinator is responsible for the oversight and coordination of Foundry Port Hardy’s Youth and Family Peer Support programs. The position will collaborate with the Foundry Centre Manager and Foundry Central office to support implementation of the programs, while coordinating/ leading daily program activities and services. The coordinator will provide leadership and supervision to youth and family peer support workers, promoting integration and collaboration with other Foundry centre services. This position will also work with Foundry Central Office to coordinate and implement program research and evaluation activities. The Coordinator ensures quality peer support services are provided that are informed by youth and family needs and preferences and promotes continuous quality improvement for the program. They collaborate with related health and social support services and other relevant community resources, and participate actively in the Foundry provincial network and related working groups and events.

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinates and leads the day-to-day youth and family peer support activities.
• Coordinates staff scheduling and peer support programming.
• Provides day-to-day supervision, coaching and mentorship for youth and family peer support workers, working closely with leaders of partner agencies and other community services as appropriate
• Directly supervises peer support team members including performance evaluation and management
• Nurtures a positive team environment of continuous learning, effective communication and service excellence;
• In collaboration with the centre’s Manager, selects and hires new staff;
• Works closely with the Foundry Central Office team to ensure effective communication, knowledge exchange, data collection and evaluation practices.
• Engages in on-going evaluation and quality improvement initiatives related to youth and family peer support service delivery to ensure quality, effective family and client-centred practice. Participates in professional development and revision of standards
• Provides orientation and supports peer learning, development and training for staff as needed.
• Ensures best practices, and Foundry’s model for Youth and Family Peer Support programs, training and standards are implemented and followed.
• Ensures financial responsibility and accountability for the peer support program budget (option to remove if this is the centre manager's responsibility).
• In collaboration with the centre/program manager, ensures appropriate client records are maintained by peer support workers in accordance with established standards,
• Identifies trends in peer support and provides feedback to centre manager, Foundry Central Office, and staff as appropriate.
• Responds to and provides support to peer support team members during critical incidents and high-risk situations;
• Performs administrative functions, including writing reports, producing documents and presentations, leading or supporting policy development and ensuring adherence to policies;
• Oversees use of shared Electronic Medical Record and ensures accountability and privacy;
• Maintains an in-depth knowledge of available resources in the community;
• Establishes and maintains partnerships/ positive working relationships with all Foundry stakeholders, and relevant community agencies and resources; and
• Represents Foundry in the community and delivers public presentations.

 

Qualifications

• A level of education, training, and/ or combination of experience equivalent to a degree in Social Sciences, Health Sciences, Public Health or related field
• Five years of relevant employment experience in peer support including leadership and supervisory experience and extensive knowledge and skills related to peer support practice and principles of recovery;
• Experience with multi-disciplinary health care teams and primary care a significant asset;
• Understanding of and passion for peer support and supporting youth and their families to access this service;
• Genuine commitment to service integration and improving service experiences for youth and their families;
• Experience with developing implementing projects, supporting the design and delivery of peer support programs a significant asset; and
• Satisfactory criminal record check and clear vulnerable sector search.

 

Skills and Abilities

• Strong communication, decision-making and organizational skills;
• Acts as a peer-representative and shares own knowledge to ensure program is informed by a lived experience perspective
• Knowledge of systemic issues and risk factors facing minority groups including LGBTQ2S+ and Indigenous youth and young adults;
• Demonstrates knowledge of cultural safety and justice, equity, diversity and inclusion practices
• Knowledge of best practices related to community health, including but not limited to peer support, recovery, harm reduction, stepped care, cultural safety and youth and family centered care;
• Staff mentoring and development skills, ability to lead a positive working environment;
• Relationship and team building skills with a wide variety of stakeholders;
• Ability to analyze and resolve problems with minimal direction;
• Demonstrated ability to teach, coach, and provide practice support;
• Effective listening and consensus building skills that promote communication and lead to a cooperative approach to problem solving and decision making within interdisciplinary settings;
• Ability to work effectively with others in a multicultural environment, independently and as part of an interprofessional team, including understanding the frameworks of other disciplines
• Proficiency in relevant computer applications (Microsoft Office and EMR);
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, changing environment; and
• Physical ability to complete required tasks.

 

As all Foundry centres are considered healthcare facilities and are funded by the Ministry of Health, we are required to comply with all healthcare setting protocols. All Foundry staff are required to be fully vaccinated for Covid-19.

This is a permanent full time position for 35 hours a week.

Please forward a resume and cover letter to:

Nicki Ranger, Executive Director
North Island Crisis & Counselling Centre

nickir@nicccs.org
(250) 949-8333

Closing Date: March 29, 2023