2SLGBTQ+ Peer Specialist

Canadian Mental Health Association-Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge•Dysart et al, ON

31d•CA$30 - CA$32•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the direction of the Youth Wellness Hub Manager and CMHA HKPR Manager of Peer Support Services and in partnership with Point in Time, Centre For Children Youth and Parents, Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario and the Enhancing Health Equity in IYS (Youth Mental Health Fund) and PARN, the Peer Specialist is responsible for providing supports and services for 2SLGBTQ+ and gender diverse youth (12-25), to assist them to improve the quality of their lives through the provision of community-based, client centered care that supports positive interdependence. Peer support is founded upon the principle that people who have life experiences in common have something to offer each other which cannot be provided by others. This approach assumes that people with lived experience as a transgender or gender-diverse person, and who also may have experience living with a mental health concern, can better understand, relate to and support individuals with similar experiences. This unique support and understanding is known to improve the health and wellbeing of people within this population. Alongside a coordinated service team, the Peer Specialist will assist with program coordination and facilitation and will work to create a safe and accepting environment for youth (12-25) with a special emphasis on the 2SLGBTQ + community. Supports and services provided at the Youth Hub include, but are not limited to, mental health, addictions, employment, housing, primary care and outreach. We recognize that equitable access to employment is an agent in social change. We welcome and strongly encourage employment of persons with lived experiences, economic challenges, from First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, culturally and ethnically diverse all genders and sexual orientation.

Requirements

Can work variable hours that include evenings, weekends and weekdays depending on work demands
Must be able to participate in team meetings, supervision and training sessions as required
Ability to work respectfully and collaboratively with other staff teams and abide by Youth Hub policies
Complete all required documentation and statistical activities for Point in Time, Centre For Children Youth and Parents, Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario and CMHA HKPR.
Accurate and timely completion of all other administrative documentation including time sheets, expense claims, vacation and time-off requests, and training requests.
Accurate and timely completion of progress notes, as per agency policy, on client record, in conjunction with data collection processes and organizational standards.
Lived experience, with a thorough understanding of the effects of marginalization on the health and wellbeing of people within the 2SLGBTQ+ population.
One (1) year of experience related to the provision of gender diverse specific support.
Demonstrated knowledge of the spectrum of issues related to this work, including medical, psycho-social, psychological, and socio-economic concerns that are particular to the transgender/gender diverse population.
Good communication/interpersonal skills
Responsible and conscientious
Education or volunteer/work experience in social services or related field
Knowledge of anti-oppression and inclusion including knowledge of supporting 2SLGBTQ+ youth and creating positive spaces
Work well as a team member and independently
Strong driving skills and a G license
Excellent time-management abilities
First Aid training
Police and vulnerable sector check required
Proof of receipt of full COVID-19 vaccine
Frequent visual concentration (working on computer, reading, researching material)
Frequent intense listening concentration (client assessments/interviews/sessions)
Dealing with clients in crisis, conflicts between families/parents/caregivers and other service providers
Emotional effort addressing serious social/emotional/behavioral issues
Sit, stand, walk, bend, twist, crouch, lift, push, move pieces of equipment of various sizes and weight
Carry and use tools and equipment (video camera, projector, communication devices, printers, toys/activity equipment, computer, fax, TV/DVD)
Work directly with individuals living with mental health concerns, dual diagnosis and/or addictions, individuals who are experiencing emotional and/or mental health issues and are working towards recovery
There are multiple competing demands which require time management skills, the ability to be flexible and to prioritize
Some lifting for room set-up is required.
Some cleaning is required

Nice To Haves

Lived experience of mental health concern is an asset.
Knowledge of youth engagement principles and practice is an asset
Knowledge of Haliburton County, community resources and the Youth Hub is an asset
Basic kitchen skills and knowledge of corresponding health and safety practices (food handling course) is an asset

Responsibilities

Promote positive and supportive attitudes toward transgender and gender diverse people who may also have mental health concerns.
Complete screening and intake assessments, engaging new clients to participate in services.
Assist in the planning and implementation of services and support that will positively impact a person’s wellness.
Facilitate referrals as necessary to identify community resources.
Provide one on one or group peer support at the Hub and in community.
Build connections to other peer led programming in the community
Plan and facilitate activities at the Hub and in the community.
Program set up, implementation and clean up.
Refer any youth in need of crisis, mental health, or other core service supports to clinical staff or Care Coordinator.
Work in conjunction with CMHA Peer staff and Point in Time Hub Staff to provide support to the identified population as needed.
Co-lead programs in person or virtually.
Provide transportation for youth.
Contribute to regular cleaning and maintenance services of the vehicle.
Contribute to regular cleaning and organizing of Hub space.
Work with the Network Lead and Network Partner to meaningfully engage youth that can reflect the perspective of the priority youth populations contribute to the development, delivery, and evaluation of the project – through a combination of lower and higher- commitment engagement opportunities (e.g., youth advisory councils, focus groups, town halls, or other community events.
Work alongside Point in Time Hub staff to welcome new youth and help them navigate services.
Explain the online registration (My Wellness Passport) process and provide assistance if appropriate.
Other duties as they arise