Peer Support Worker - YWCA Hamilton

Founded in 1889, YWCA Hamilton is known as one of Hamilton’s original social innovators and works from a feminist, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive framework. We are dedicated to strengthening women’s and girl’s voices, broadening their choices, building dynamic leadership and providing essential services that promote safe, inclusive and equitable communities.

Position Description
The Peer Support Worker will assist residents of Transitional Living to develop skills that will support their transition into independent and sustainable housing; and work to create a network for informal and formal supports and resources post discharge. Support will be structured through onsite check-ins and accompaniments, as well as offsite meet ups post discharge as applicable.
These supports are aimed to both reduce isolation through a resident’s transition into stable housing and protect against a return to homelessness through supported problem solving and outreach supports.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Provides supports to residents both one to one and in group formats, consistent with the program framework; including home management support, budgeting, unit viewings, lease 
signings, coordination of utilities, social / recreational supports and various discharge planning connections, as a part of the individuals housing support plan and in collaboration with Transitional Living Program Staff.

• Provides support to peers by contributing to discussions on specific peer challenges and shared learnings;
• Provides feedback on the program design and delivery;
• Successfully completes any required trainings;
• Performs basic housekeeping / home management support tasks as required;
• Works with residents both pre and post discharge as needed; coordinates with necessary transition based supports (Housing Help Centre / Venture Centre/Intensive Case Managers etc);
• Supports completion of Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool (SPDAT) and other assessment tools as needed;
• Supports input of necessary data related to Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool (SPDAT), case management, and housing stability into HIFI;
• Provides feedback and/or improvements on the design of the program and the training;
• Assists women leaving the program, along with program staff, in developing and connecting into a ‘circle of care’ which will act as a safety net when facing challenges post discharge;
• Maintains appropriate record keeping and reporting in accordance with YWCA Hamilton policies and procedures, and department specific procedures;
• Attends regular supervision, case planning and housing meetings with Transitional Housing staff as needed;
• Provides reports and updates to Program Management when required;
• Maintains high level of confidentiality when working with sensitive and personal client, employee and contract information;
• Nurtures and forms meaningful internal and external working relationships and partnerships;
• Supports YWCA Hamilton mission, vision and values;
• Perform other duties as required.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Works a 37.5 hour work week; which may include evenings and weekends as needed
• Regularly works in emotional charged situations requiring resolution
• Work environment may be hostile or violent at times;