Peer Support Worker

Canadian Mental Health Association- Peel Branch • Brampton, ON

1d • CA$62,425 - CA$73,441 • Onsite

About The Position

Joining the Canadian Mental Health Association – Peel Dufferin Branch means you’ll be part of something meaningful. For starters, we’re honored to have received the Canadian Non-Profit Employer of Choice Award for our efforts to help people live better. Providing support and services to those who live with mental illness and addictions, we’re committed to increasing awareness and addressing the stigma surrounding mental health. That’s why we’ve made it a priority to create a diverse organization that represents the communities we serve – and the people we help. As a community-based agency, we’re dedicated to the mental, physical, and social health of everyone – including our team members. That’s why we’re proud to offer a total rewards package that helps our team members balance their professional and home life. You’ll also be empowered to keep learning new skills and reaching your goals – from developing a career growth plan to participating in training sessions. We are looking for a Peer Worker to join our team! Reporting to a Program Manager, the Peer Support Worker will provide holistic assessment and case management using a stepped care approach. They will carry an individual caseload in addition to participating in team-based decision-making and care planning.

Requirements

• A personal experience with mental health and/ or addiction and established recovery, as well as a willingness to share experience
• Post-secondary degree or diploma in relevant discipline (e.g., BSW, MSW, OT, RN)
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in the mental health and addictions sectors with a focus on assessment, brief interventions and short term supports
• Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to approach, listen, build trust, and communicate across diverse cultures and intersectionality.
• Willingness to continually improve understanding around cultural competence.
• Openness to operate from an anti-racist, anti-oppressive, 2SLGBTQ+ affirming and intersectional framework.
• Willingness to learn and apply practical understanding of different elements of diversity, such as gender identity/expression, race/cultural background, religion, sexual orientation, disability, immigration and precarious status, family status, etc.
• Valid Canadian driver’s license and access to an insured automobile in good repair
• A satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Screening (Police Check) report.

Nice To Haves

• Peer certification is an asset
• Being a registered and / or regulated health professional is an asset
• The following experience / trainings are an asset with an expectation to attend trainings as they become available: Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP), Concurrent Disorders, Cognitive Behavioural Skills, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Informed Care, Virtual Care, Interprofessional Multi-Disciplinary Teams, Crisis Intervention Skills
• Fluency in a second language, including ASL (American Sign Language) is considered an asset.

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessment and assist clients to develop goals for recovery using one-to-one and group sessions
• Utilize tools such as the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) to assist clients in creating individual care plans
• Support clients in developing empowerment skills and combating stigma through self-advocacy
• Assist to identify and combat negative self-talk and identify and overcome fears by sharing own techniques and strategies
• Manage a caseload including regular re-assessments, updating risk levels and caseload reviews
• Collaborate with the multi-disciplinary team to build a client care plan and provide short-term or intensive case management as needed
• Facilitate groups as part of CMHA PD’s multi-disciplinary team, including the creation of new groups and act as a back-up facilitator
• Refer and link clients to community resources and groups that support recovery goals
• Participate in regular staff meetings and care planning to provide the peer expertise for client care
• Contact primary care at regular intervals to report clients’ care plan and discharge summary

Benefits

• Employee Family Assistance Plan
• optional extended health and dental benefits
• 4 weeks accrued vacation
• Up to 18 paid sick days accrued per year, plus 2 flexible days each year
• HOOPP Pension Plan
• Ongoing professional development plus $250 annual funding for continuing education and certifications
• $350 annual allowance to invest in achieving your personal wellness goals
• Participation in organizational pay for performance incentive program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree