Addiction & Mental Health Worker, Peer Support - Operation Sharing

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

2d•CA$27 - CA$37•Onsite

About The Position

Within the mission and philosophy of CMHA TVAMHS and the values of Peer Support Canada, the Peer Support Staff will intentionally utilize their lived experience with mental health and/or addictions and homelessness to provide formal Peer Support services at Operation Sharing through one-on-one and group engagement, as well as community outreach. The staff will advocate for peer rights and support self-advocacy and self-determination, assist peers with goal setting and achievement, wellness planning, harm reduction and build tools to support individual’s unique sense of wellbeing. This role will work collaboratively with CMHA TVAMHS and Operation Sharing staff, peers, the community, and other professionals to support and strengthen the wellbeing of individuals served. Successful candidates must have a Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC) completed in the last six months. Interested applicants who reside in the City of London and are in need of a PVSC are encouraged to apply for one as soon as possible as PVSCs in the City of London are currently taking approximately 5 weeks to be processed and offers of employment cannot be made without receipt of a PVSC.

Requirements

Lived experience of mental illness and/or addictions and homelessness
Ontario Secondary School Diploma and/or equivalent/related experience (primary proof of credentials will be required during the hiring process i.e. original degree/diploma or official transcript)
Experience working with individuals living with mental illness and/or addictions/problematic substance use, especially in a peer support capacity
Valid Driver’s License
Access to vehicle for personal transportation
Ability to attend work regularly
Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC) completed in the last six months

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
Bilingual both official languages, preferred; préférence sera accordée aux candidats qui sont compétents dans les deux langues officielles du Canada

Responsibilities

Provide Peer Support through 1:1, Groups, Outreach and Engagement at Operation Sharing sites including Day Space and the overnight shelter
Support individuals experiencing mental health, addictions and homelessness related concerns in creating personal goals for recovery and wellness and sustaining meaningful lives in their community
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-advocacy and self-determination
Provides skill teaching, and support to peers to assist in goal achievement.
Provide Peer level crisis support and crisis prevention planning through Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP)
Ongoing professional skill development/continuing education towards the delivery of mental health and addiction services.
Able to build positive relationships with other Peer team and Operation Sharing colleagues and support cohesiveness and positivity for team building
Other duties and responsibilities as assigned
Promote empowerment and self-determination of others through non-judgmental listening
Connect peers to resources in their community
Meet with individuals to support them to determine their own support needs and interests
Plan and facilitate peer support groups
Develop, facilitate and evaluate Peer Outreach Program activities
Develop and evaluate peer programming in collaboration with other CMHA TVAMHS Peer Coordinators, Manager, and Operation Sharing staff
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 TVAMHS Peer Support team and agency staff meetings, and participate in Operation Sharing meetings as required
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; respect the necessary site-specific policies and procedures of Operation Sharing when on location
Regularly meet with CMHA TVMHAS Peer Support leadership 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
Support peers in their treatment planning including assisting with referrals to health and social services and other community organizations as needed.
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
Attend Operation Sharing housing and shelter sites to engage peers and offer support based on peers’ expressed needs and interests including connecting peers with basic needs supplies, harm reduction equipment, etc.
Facilitate a trauma and violence informed, strengths-based approach to care that emphasizes the importance of hope, self-determination and empowerment
Maintain healthy boundaries within the supportive, collaborative peer working relationship
Facilitate one on one and peer-focused social/support/life skills groups based on recovery and wellness principles for clients in the community