Search Homelessness Services Association of BC

Job Description / Duties

The Peer Support is responsible to promote principles of peer support and self help when supporting women to secure practical needs and manage crisis in the Drop-in Centre and/or Emergency Night Shelter with the goal of identify and address barriers to
self advocacy
The Peer Support Worker will work in collaboration with other DEWC advocacy, counseling, outreach, and skills development staff to promote integrated services to women and in-centre volunteers. She will work from a feminist perspective and within an
anti-oppression framework.

Peer Support:
Supports women in developing peer networks and peer support opportunities including by modeling peer support and self help behaviors. Coordinating opportunities for women to exchange self help and peer support strategies through workshops, forums, discussion groups, support groups etc.

Drop-In/Shelter:
Monitors women in the Centre/Shelter using peer support & self help tools to address conflicts in the drop-in or the emergency night shelter. Use self help tools to ensure women who appear in crises are offered appropriate supports such as medical, counseling, or advocacy. Collaborate with Centre members, volunteers, and committees to oversee the operations of the clothing room and general management of donations. Responsible for a clean and comfortable environment that operates in compliance with the Centre’ Mission Statement, Statement of Principles, and Policy and Procedures. Supports women with practical needs: listening to
women, distributing items such as menstrual pads, rolling papers, clothing, telephone, mail and access to showers.

Conflict Resolution/Crisis Management:
Manage crisis between, within and among various groups and individuals including by mentoring a variety of self help coping skills and different approaches to personal situations. Maintain a culture of ‘People helping people help themselves’.

Volunteer Support:
Actively participate as a team member in collaboration with the Skills Development Coordinator/Program Coordinator to support, train and manage volunteers from the community. Responsible for communicating effectively and respectfully with volunteers and mediating conflicts as they occur.

In-Centre Programming:
Facilitate and coordinate groups and special events that promote principles of self-help and peer support and that reflect the mission and mandate of the DEWC.

Referral:
Use Peer Support & Self Help strategies to support women to receive assistance at the DEWC and/or other agencies as required.

In Centre Participation:
Participate within the staff team such as attending staff meetings, staff development and training, special events, hiring, evaluation, and Centre committees. Work collaboratively with incentre staff. Ensure effective communication and team approach in the smooth operation of the DEWC

Qualifications / Required Skills

 Minimum 3 years related experience working with low-income women, at least 2
years in a women serving or inner city drop-in environment.
 Must have Peer Support theory training and/or experience
 Must have a strong working knowledge and analysis of the issues impacting women
in the dtes, including violence against women, mental health, homelessness, and
addictions.
 Candidate must work from strong feminist analysis and within an anti-oppression
framework
 Strong conflict resolution skills and practice
 Demonstrated crises intervention training and experience
 Experience providing assisted referral as well as familiarity with support services,
agencies and community resources in the Downtown Eastside.
 Excellent communication skills required, including the ability to work in a respectful
and cooperative manner with co-workers, and centre members.
 Ability to work within a chaotic environment and with a diverse community of women
 A First Aid certificate is required
 Candidate must undergo a criminal record check
 Women with addiction issues, need to be at least 2 years clean and sober

Additional Information

Benefits of Joining the DEWC Team

✔ Healthcare: Extended health includes dental,
vision, prescription medications, select
alternative therapies, EAP life insurance and
long-term disability.
✔ Vacation & Leave: Vacation at 6% in the first
year and 8% after. Sick leave credit. Access to
other special leaves to handle family or
personal situations.
✔ Other perks: Employee loan program; Regular
staff development days; DEWC employees are
considered first for any open positions.

POSITION DETAILS:

 Start Date: ASAP
 Union (BCGEU) - Salary - $24.23 per hour + generous health and welfare benefits

Submit cover letter and resume to: careers@dewc.ca
For full job description visit: www.dewc.ca/career

Indigenous women and women of colour are strongly encouraged to apply / Additional languages spoken an asset.

**While we thank all applicants for their interests, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted**

Salary: $24.23 per hour

Contact Information

Submit cover letter and resume to: careers@dewc.ca

For full job description visit: www.dewc.ca/career

Employer Profile

The Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre exists to support and empower women and children living in extreme poverty in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver. High levels of violence, homelessness, addictions and poverty characterize this community where women and children are particularly vulnerable to exploitation, injustice and injury. Through the Drop-In Centre and Emergency Shelter, we provide practical support to over 500 women and children daily to survive the conditions of ill health and violence that surround them.