Addiction and Mental Health Worker, Peer Support - Oxford

CMHA Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services•Woodstock, ON

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Within the mission and philosophy of CMHA TVAMHS and the values of Peer Support Canada, the Peer Support Worker will intentionally utilize their lived experience with mental health and/or addictions to provide formal Peer Support through peer support groups, Thrive Institute initiatives, and some one-on-one engagement, as well as community outreach as needed. The Peer Support Worker will advocate for peer rights and support self-advocacy, assist peers with goal achievement, wellness planning, and build tools to support individual wellbeing. This role will work collaboratively with staff, peers, the community, and other professionals to support and strengthen the wellbeing of individuals served. This role also involves opportunities for ongoing professional development and continuing education to support the safe and effective delivery of Peer Support and mental health and addictions services.

Requirements

Lived experience of mental illness and/or addictions
Ontario Secondary School Diploma and/or equivalent/related experience (primary proof of credentials will be required during the hiring process i.e. original diploma or official transcript)
Experience working with individuals living with mental illness and/or addictions/problematic substance use, especially in peer support capacity
Current, satisfactory Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC)
Valid Driver’s License and access to a vehicle for personal transportation; regular travel within Oxford County is required. Occasional travel within the Thames Valley region may be required.
Demonstrated ability to attend work regularly

Nice To Haves

Completed formal peer support training and education (e.g., Peer Support Canada, Center for Innovation in Peer Support, etc.)
Current First Aid and CPR Certification
ASIST certificate
Previous Peer Support experience, including paid, volunteer, and/or placement positions
At a place in wellness journey where you are able model wellness to peers; as well as to respond to any personal mental health/addictions concerns as they arise
Experience facilitating groups or other consultations with a broad range of participants
Bilingual both official languages, preferred; préférence sera accordée aux candidats qui sont compétents dans les deux langues officielles du Canada

Responsibilities

Provide Peer Support Groups, social drop ins, Community Outreach and occasionally 1:1 support.
Be the Oxford Peer Support staff lead on the implementation and facilitation of Thrive Institute (Recovery College) programs and structure; collaborate with other regional Peer Support colleagues on this endeavor, including virtual co-facilitation when relevant
Support individuals in creating personal goals for recovery and wellness and creating meaningful lives in their community
Using wellness approaches to recovery, develop groups that address the Social Determinants of Health to promote optimal health and well-being
Identify and/or participate in inter- and intra-agency facilitator training opportunities that strengthen the delivery of evidence-based programming in Community, as opportunities are available
Facilitate programming that encourages the development of self-determination and the empowerment of the peer
Identify opportunities and partnerships that contribute to the community integration and recovery/wellness journey of peers; contribute to the development of program proposals to support community development initiatives
Assist with the implementation and operation of hospital-based peer support Transitional Discharge Model (TDM) program, as required.
Liaise with professionals and with the community for the benefit of peers while adhering to the principle of confidentiality
Advocate for peer rights and support self-determination
Provides skill teaching, and support to peers to assist in goal achievement.
Provide wellness planning and crisis prevention support utilizing Peer Support approaches, including Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP); offer support and direction to peers experiencing a crisis, within scope of Peer Support role
Assist with mental health and addiction outreach and education
Ongoing professional skill development/continuing education towards the delivery of mental health and addiction services.
Build positive relationships with other Peer Support team colleagues and support cohesiveness and positivity for team building
Actively and meaningfully participate in regular supervision and performance reviews with the program Manager and Coordinator
Promote empowerment and self-determination of others through non-judgmental listening
Connect peers to resources in their community
Meet with individuals to determine support needs and interests
Plan and facilitate peer support groups
Develop and evaluate peer programming in collaboration with other Peer Support Coordinators and Manager/Coordinator
Maintain privacy and confidentiality of individuals
Maintain statistical records associated with program functions according to agency guidelines
Complete administrative duties and documentation as required
Attend CMHA team and staff meetings
Participate in relevant committee meetings i.e. Direct Service, Ethics Committee
Carry out the policies and procedures of CMHA TVAMHS as set forth in the Policy and Procedure Manual
Meet with supervisor for general supervision, performance evaluation and identification of training needs
Ensure compliance with agency Privacy, Confidentiality, and Code of Ethics policies and procedures, as well as the Peer Support Canada Code of Conduct
Build and maintain relationships with community partners that will enable the introduction of intentional peer support into community settings targeting various populations
Engage, support and provide excellent service to our community partners
Coordinate Peer Support training for community partners, fellow staff members and Peer Volunteers as applicable