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Peer Support Specialist & Trainer
One Year Term Position – May 2022-May 2023
Part-time (21 hours week)
Hourly rate: $30/hr
Location: Shubenacadie/East Hants, Nova Scotia
Closing date for applications: May 2, 2022 (11:59pm)
 
The After Trauma Empowerment Network (ATEN) is a non-profit organization in Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia, that empowers all gender individuals, families and communities affected by and living with the mental health impact from trauma, violence and abuse. Our vision is to improve the lives, well-being and functioning of individuals, families and communities affected by trauma so we can live in a world where individuals, families and communities affected by trauma live an empowered life to reach their fullest potential. For more information visit www.atenns.ca. 
 
We are seeking a compassionate trauma-informed Peer Support Specialist & Trainer to assist and guide our clients as well as facilitate peer support training programs. As the Peer Support Specialist, you will be required to work with clients and conduct regular one-on-one support meetings, develop recovery strategies, use your experience and knowledge to provide highly individualized services with clients and in the community, promote individual self-determination and decision-making to individuals who have experienced trauma, violence and abuse. In addition, you will be required to facilitate Peer Support Training to individuals from the community.
 
Peer Support Specialist Responsibilities:
 

• Meet with clients regularly to offer one-on-one support. Assist clients in articulating personal goals for recovery using one-on-one and group sessions. During these sessions you will support clients in identifying and creating goals and developing recovery plans with the skills, strengths, supports and resources to aid them in achieving those goals.
• Provide support to individuals who have experienced trauma to assist them to regain control over their own lives and support them in their recovery process.
• Develop recovery plans, coping methods, empowerment skills and self-help strategies with clients.
• Integrate own recovery process and lived experience of the mental health system to support clients with their recovery journeys.
• Promote and encourage clients’ independence, hope, self – determination and recovery.
• Organize and facilitate groups for support, social, and educational purposes.
• Teach and model the value of every individual’s unique recovery experience.
• Maintain a working knowledge of current trends and developments in the trauma and mental health field by reading books, journals, and other relevant materials.
• Build and maintain a strong network of community partners within the region for the purpose of collaborative care and referrals.
• Facilitate Trauma-informed Peer Support Training Programs to registered participants.
• Ethical commitment to the informed consent process, client confidentiality and the limits of confidentiality in practice.

 
Peer Support Specialist Requirements:
 

• High school diploma or GED
• Valid driver's license and own transportation
• Trauma-informed practices/principles

• Completion of Peer Support Training Certification

• At least one year of experience as a peer support specialist
• Personal lived experience with trauma, violence, abuse or mental health conditions.
• Willingness to share that lived experience in a relevant and appropriate manner, maintaining peer/client boundaries
• Comfort with and sensitivity to working with individuals who experienced trauma, violence and abuse and mental health challenges
• Ability to work with clients integrating recovery and empowerment principles
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to work independently (self-motivated) and within a team environment
• Ability to prioritize needs and organize work efficiently; perform tasks on an established schedule
• Proficiency in English; strong oral and written communication skills
• Computer competent (MS Word, E-Mail, Internet)
• A satisfactory and current criminal records and vulnerable sector check
• CPR/First Aid
• Strong interpersonal and networking skills
• Highly compassionate and attentive to detail
• Ability to establish priorities and boundaries
• Ability to make decisions with minimal supervision
• Knowledge of client support services and resources within the community
• Excellent assessment and crisis intervention skills
• Ability to work with a variety of clients, and in different work situations

 
The After Trauma Empowerment Network is a trauma-informed environment that is characterized by respect, choice & inclusion. We strive to reflect the diversity of the community. We are committed to developing an inclusive, barrier-free selection process and work environment. If contacted, please advise us if you require any accommodation measures to ensure you will be interviewed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received relating to accommodation requests will be treated with confidentiality.
 
Funding for this Peer Support Specialist position provided by the Canadian Women’s Foundation.
 
Cover letters and resumes/CVs are invited by email to [email protected] (Subject: Peer Support Specialist).
Only applicants to be interviewed will be contacted. No phone calls please.