Integrated Child And Youth Team - Youth Peer Support Worker

Inter
The Board of Education of
School District No. 83 (North Okanagan-Shuswap)
POSITION VACANCY:Integrated Child and Youth Team - youth PEER SUPPORT WORKER
Under A Pathway to Hope, the Province is implementing Integrated Child and Youth (ICY) teams in school district communities. This began in the fall of 2021, in five school district communities which are now operational. As announced in February 2023, ICY teams will now be implemented in seven additional school district communities, including School District No. 83 (North Okanagan-Shuswap). The Province has committed to implementing ICY teams in 20 communities across B.C. by 2024/25.
Our District
In the North Okanagan-Shuswap School District, we serve just over 6700 students in 24 schools through a variety of sites located around Shuswap Lake and the North Okanagan. We are known for strong academic achievement, a thriving trades and careers program, and a rich culture of school athletics. The school district enjoys comprehensive Local Education Agreements with each of four First Nations Communities. One elementary, one middle, and two secondary schools offer French Immersion. The District is currently undertaking a Strategic Plan renewal.
Our Communities
With year-round recreational activities in a spectacular natural setting, we offer a small-town atmosphere with big city services. You’ll find musical and theatre performances, garden markets, wineries, and opportunities for world class boating, biking, hiking, and golf right outside your door. Add in quick access to larger centers and very affordable housing, and it is clear that the North Okanagan-Shuswap is a truly desirable place to live.
The Position
Reporting to the ICY Team Clinical Counsellor and the District Vice Principal of Student Wellness, the primary responsibilities of the Integrated Child and YouthPeer Support Worker
participates as a core ICY team member. Drawing on their own lived experience, the Youth Peer Support worker offers peer–based mentoring and emotional support, and works collaboratively with youth, their families, and members of the care team. The Youth Peer Support worker acts as a role model and helps young people and their families work towards their self-identified goals by supporting them with systems navigation and to connecting them with resources on ICY teams and in the community. This role is required to be available to perform time-sensitive work outside of regular (9-5) working hours as required, e.g., emergency counselling to children and Youth and their families. This role is an exempt position and does not follow the school calendar and works 12 months of the year.
Specific Responsibilities Include:
Provide peer-based mentoring and emotional support to youth ages 12-19 with the following:
establishing a purposeful relationship based on respect with youth and their families and friends by encouraging informed decision-making and helping to create a non-judgmental environment by sharing experiences and insights;
Provide support that aligns with ICY practice principles: culturally safe, trauma-informed, child/youth/family-centered, Nation/community-centered, and inclusive of youth who identify as part of the LGBTQ2S+ community;
supporting youths’ recovery through selective motivational and supportive self-disclosure including the sharing of personal recovery experiences and strategies for attaining and maintaining wellness;
encouraging and supporting youth to become active and involved in their own health, promoting youth participation in activities, and encouraging membership in the school community;
advocating for youth and accompanying youth to appointments when requested;
supporting systems navigation and resource distribution to youth;
facilitating or co-facilitating groups for children, youth and families as needed;
Work in an integrated way within a multidisciplinary team and collaborate with organizational, community, and hospital-based teams.
Access supervision to support regular consultation, learning and reflections as applied to the role of Youth Peer Support worker.
Participate in integrated care planning conferences, team meetings, case reviews, and organizational initiatives as required.
Participate in training opportunities through the ICY team and employer organization, and in evaluation, quality improvement and research activities as required.
Complete and maintain related records and documentation pertaining to the organization and ICY teams.
Facilitate youth engagement and participation in focus groups, workshops, surveys, and related activities.
Qualifications:
Education & Professional Certification
Grade 12 Graduation Dogwood or Completion Certificate, including 1-2 years of related experience working with youth and young adults with mental health and/or substance use issues or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Lived understanding of mental illness and/or substance use, completion of/eligible for completion of a recognized Youth Peer Support-training program Lived experience and/or understanding of equity, diversity, and inclusive practices (i.e. Indigeneity, anti-racism, LGBTQ2+) as it relates to the local population.
Completion or near completion of the BC Campus Provincial Peer Training Curriculum. Preference may be given to individuals who have also completed a recognized Peer Support Training course.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Establish rapport and maintain respectful relationships with young people and family members.
Empathic, compassionate, with good listening skills and creative thinking.
Observe and recognize changes in youth and communicate those changes to others on the care team.
Conflict resolution and crisis intervention skills.
Self-awareness and capacity to apply appropriate boundaries and maintain confidentiality.
Promote positive change and independence.
Self-starter with a positive attitude, and able to advocate for self and others.
Knowledge of social, mental health, and substance use services available in the community.
Knowledge of systemic issues and risk factors facing minority groups including LGBTQ2S+ and Indigenous youth and young adults, including the ongoing impacts of colonialism.
Problem-solving and decision-making skills; ability to gather and process information to support the organization and its team.
Communication skills; ability to speak, listen, and write clearly, thoroughly, and professionally.
Organizational and time management skills, accountability, reliability, and punctuality.
Ability to work independently and show initiative, as well as be part of an interdisciplinary team.
Basic computer skills: experience with Microsoft Office, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
The salary for this position is $44, 479.00 and includes a comprehensive benefits package. The is a full time 12 months of the year position.
The process
Please submit your application package via Make a Future by noon on March 14, 2024 . Your application package should include a brief cover letter, a resume that summarizes related experiences, and up to five confidential reference contacts. Reference letters will be considered but are not expected. Questions regarding the position and the upcoming process may be directed to Tanya Harrington, District Vice Principal of Student Wellness at tharring@sd83.bc.ca. We appreciate all interest in these positions. Only those selected for further interviews will be contacted by the District.
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 83 – AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.