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Title: Peer, Van Outreach

Reports To: Manager, Van Outreach Services

Department: Van Outreach Services

Position Type: Casual

Location: 75 Martha Street

Direct Reports: None

About the Company

Main Street Project (MSP) is a community health Centre with a mandate to address the social determinants of health which give rise to issues of addiction, physical and mental health issues and homelessness. MSP uses housing-first and harm reduction principles in the provision of a safe, respectful and accessible place for individuals who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness in the community. Since 1972, MSP has been providing a range of services to Winnipeg's most marginalized residents, including emergency shelter and nutrition services, drug and alcohol withdrawal management services, health advocacy and support, case management services, housing support services, food bank services and a mobile community outreach program.

Are you seeking a career where you can be part of a dynamic, diverse team, and where the mission is centered around ensuring everyone has access to a safe environment that promotes dignity, respect, and self-determination? Main Street Project is committed to developing impactful and meaningful solutions that drive positive changes in our community. The work you do here will have a lasting, meaningful impact on those we serve.

At Main Street Project, we believe that the best work happens when diverse minds come together. We believe in building and fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. Our commitment to diversity, including embracing Truth & Reconciliation, Decolonization and Anti-Oppression, is embedded in our culture and drives the success of the organization. Our team is made of talented individuals from various backgrounds and life experiences, creating a rich tapestry of perspectives.

Position Summary

Peer support takes place when an individual providing the help has a similar lived experience. The Peer is an integral member of the Main Street Project (MSP) team. Drawing on their lived experience of mental health challenges and/or substance use, the Peers assists others to gain a sense of confidence and hope on their journey.  

The role of the Peer is defined as offering and receiving help, based on an understanding, of respect between people in similar situations. MSP Peers, work in different capacities, from Outreach Workers, Navigators, and other areas within MSP. All roles acknowledge mutual respect, and understanding of similar experience will engage community member n making an informed decision, to promote a sense of safety and well-being for the community. 

The Peer Outreach Worker is a role within Main Street Project that focuses on building relationships and rapport with the community member living unsheltered in Winnipeg. This includes understanding the community needs, what services they require, and identity challenges along the way. The Peer Outreach Worker supports the development and implementation of care plans. 

Duties & Responsibilities

• Ensure that client immediate needs are met through the provision of food, shelter, clothing, harm reduction, and personal hygiene supplies as needed.
• Support clients by assessing their behavior, overall well-being, and safety.
• Provide the community outreach team with any information that may help in the care plan.   
• Complete need assessments, referrals, and consent forms to engage in case management service. 
• Meet with clients in the community and/or in their homes, when required.
• Respond to services requests from first responders, business owners, and community members, City of Winnipeg, Community Agency or as directed by the manager.  
• Work with individuals who may be intoxicated, experiencing significant trauma, mental health, poor hygiene, suicide, or at risk to others.
• Monitor the physical safety of clients to ensure the client receives medical attention for physical injuries, either through on-site basic First Aid, transportation to the hospital, or request for a non-emergency ambulance (depending on severity).
• Operate MSP's outreach van
• Monitor, locate, and identity, individuals that may need support in accessing services.
• Visit new encampment structures, or areas being used as shelter, and provide an update to the team and program manager. 
• Participate in daily debriefs and provide follow-up instructions for next shift.
• Maintain accurate and confidential electronic and file records, including statistical data.
• Submit agency-required statistics on time and with accuracy.
• Adhere to the MSP policies and procedure manual.
• Attend all mandatory meetings and training sessions as designated.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education & Qualifications

• Ability to effectively interact with diverse populations including clients, staff and volunteers.
• Understands the systemic issues that affect low income and marginalized people.
• Ability to effectively communicate to resolve problems and manage conflicts effectively.
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check with Clear Vulnerable Sector Search and a Clear Adult Abuse Registry Check are required
• Valid Class 5 Driver's License
• Prior experience with statistics and reporting
• Basic computer proficiency

Skills & Specifications

• First-hand understanding of issues related to mental health, substance use and/or being unhoused.
• Familiarity with mental health and addiction services both internal and external to MSP.
• Ability to work as part of a team, and with other health care providers on clinical settings.
• Good verbal and written\communication skills.
• Ability to work with a client-centered care philosophy
• Ability to apply Harm Reduction and Housing First philosophies in their day-to-day support of clients
• Knowledge of the effects of poverty and the social determinant of health is essential
• Knowledge of Indigenous Culture
• Additional languages (Indigenous) are considered an asset 
• Experience working with Indigenous organization and/or communities an asset 
• Ability to maintain required work schedule, be on time, keep work area neat, be accountable for how time is used.
• Ability to use sound judgement regarding confidentiality issues.
• Ability to advocate for clients by bringing concerns about services to the Manager of Outreach Services

Conditions of Employment

• Ability to meet the physical demands required for the role including being on your feet for long period of time, lifting up to 50 lbs., and cleaning duties (bending, reaching, pushing/pulling, crouching), going into encampment
• Exposure to biohazards including but not limited to blood, bodily fluids, and syringes 
• Ability to work with individuals who use substances and/or experience mental health challenges
• Ability to provide support in high intensity incidents on occasions including but not limited to medical emergencies and aggressive individuals
• Comfortable working in environment where Indigenous ceremonies and practices are actively taking place including Smudging
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check with Clear Vulnerable Sector Search and a Clear Child and Adult Abuse Registry Check are required.

Values & Competencies

Ability to embody Main Street Project's Core Values:

• Reducing Harm 
• Truth and Reconciliation 
• Anti-Oppression 
• Trauma-Informed

Key Competencies

• Crisis Management 
• Service Excellence - Meeting people where they are at.
• Collaboration Developing External Relationships
• Accountability 
• Decision Making

What Main Street Project offers

• Competitive wages within the nonprofit sector
• Health & Dental Benefits
• Pension Plan
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Paid Sick and Family days
• Shift Premiums
• Employee Assistance Program

Application Deadline: Open until the position is filled.

Main Street Project recognizes the importance of building a workforce that is reflective of the community it serves, where culture, language and perspectives drive a high standard of care and service. Therefore, preference will be given to Indigenous people and those who reflect the people/population we serve. Applicants are asked to self-declare in their cover letter along with describing how they meet the above qualifications.

We thank all applicants but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.