Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

MAX

Summary

Understanding Peer Support Specialist knowledgeable in care system navigation and willing to share life experiences related to mental illness. Energetic professional with more than 5 years of expertise providing mental with compassion and respect

Committed to advocating for mental health and well being of clients,

Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Peer Support Specialist

TNG
03.2021 - 09.2022


  • Created programming specifically designed to build community capacity through the use of harm reduction framework that will give individuals residents the opportunity to develop and use harm reduction strategies in all aspects of their lives (health, relationships, independent life skills, housing, etc.);
  • Developed, implement and evaluate workshops, groups and individual supports that incorporate harm reduction strategies with an understanding of residents' mental health, addictions, and woman abuse issues,
  • Designed and deliverd programming specifically designed to build individual and community capacity through activities that promote the development and use of harm reduction principles in conflict resolution and mediation skills, including peer-led processes for addressing issues of concern to the community;
  • Assisted in conducting intake interviews, ensures relevant documentation is completed/acquired
  • Used Stages of Change with a focus on client centered goals that reduce harm and increase community engagement and cohesiveness;
  • The use of trauma informed practices to support individuals
  • Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of Availability, Flexibility, Adaptability, Hospitality and Dignity.
  • Creative and flexibility in achieving desired outcomes.
  • Hospitable in dealings with clients/public / volunteers / staff, and other key stakeholders.
  • Available and responsive to the needs of others.
  • Respectful and compassionate demeanor.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication, computer, interpersonal and organizational skills.
  • Used understanding of the Recovery model, and ability to relate to persons in crisis.
  • Used Training in the use of Naloxone, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, ASIST WHMIS CPR/First AID
  • Applied ability to empathize and find strategies to work with persons with a wide range of symptoms and needs.


24-Hour Services Shelter Worker

Fred Victor
09.2012 - 06.2019

Intervened in crisis situations to obtain support for clients and reduce escalation or recurrence risks.

Helped clients navigate social services system and access needed resources.

Helped create comprehensive program to meet needs.

Maintained internal database of service workers, participants, activities and other relevant details.

Processed client intakes, transfers and support clients with daily needs

Recorded client notes, intake forms, and discharge plans in accordance to Toronto Drop-in/Respite services Standards and FVC's policies and procedures.

Served meals; house keeping duties; cooking duties Implementing programming for service users

Understanding and commitment to harm reduction practices and principles

Distribution of harm reduction kits and stocking of harm reduction supplies

Performed safety checks and building rounds De-escalated and manage conflict with or among clients

Responsible for resolving client's complaints when appropriate, including timely follow-up

Provided appropriate referrals, information and advocacy to other support services to assist clients to meet the goals outlined in their case plans and housing

Used emergency building systems and follow fire procedures.

Lead and support external agency staff while they are onsite, delivering support services to clients

Communicated and demonstrated appropriate professional boundaries with clients, staff, and community partners and abide by all the Fred Victor Center's policies and procedures e.g. Anti-Harassment and Discrimination and the Staff Code of Conduct Work in accordance to the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act Identify, intervene, and effectively deal with crisis and conflict situations

Deal with emergency situations as they arise

Performed administrative tasks such as communications, reports, finding and coordinating staff coverage, information management of service statistics and client information as required

Participated in regular meetings and evaluations with Program Manager/Senior Manager

Observed work related requirements such as punctuality, attending staff meetings, meeting deadlines and working with or without direct support

Attended regular staff meetings, read emails, communicate effectively and support the team

Other duties as required

Education

COMMUNITY WORKER

George Brown College
Toronto, ON
04.1995

Skills

  • Mental Health Services
  • Empathy Development
  • Recovery guidance
  • Individual Counseling
  • Experience working in diverse, direct service setting with adults and families who experience impacts of poverty, homelessness/ under-housing, violence/trauma, mental health/addictions/ or concurrent disorders, and other sources of marginalization or oppression
  • Rapport Building
  • Case management proficiency
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Care Planning
  • Stress reduction techniques
  • Communication abilities
  • Needs Assessment
  • Relationship cultivation
  • Arranging transportation
  • Treatment Planning
  • Boundary Setting

Certification

Harm Reduction for the Homelessness Sector

Exploring Low-barrier, Gender-focused Approaches to Housing Homelessness among Women & Gender-Diverse People Non-Crisis Intervention

Naloxone Distribution

Present CPR and Oxygen CPR INTEGRATED PREVENTION AND HARM REDUCTION INITIATIVE(IPHARE)

The Integrated Prevention and Harm Reduction Initiative (iPHARE) seeks to change that. Together with our community partners and the City of Toronto, we place peer harm reduction teams in shelters to prevent overdoses, and work with shelter staff, service providers, and residents themselves, to provide harm reduction education and supplies

Timeline

Peer Support Specialist

TNG
03.2021 - 09.2022

24-Hour Services Shelter Worker

Fred Victor
09.2012 - 06.2019

COMMUNITY WORKER

George Brown College
MAX