Peer Support Worker

Canadian Mental Health Association- Peel Branch•Brampton, ON

7d•CA$62,425 - CA$73,441•Hybrid

About The Position

As part of the Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) team, the Peer Support Worker will provide responsive integrated care to individuals seeking treatment for substance use/concurrent disorders and collaborate on treatment plans and clinical case presentations. This is a permanent full-time position, 37.5 hours per week, with some evenings and weekends required. The salary ranges from $62,425.03 to $73,441.21 annually, with the starting salary dependent on candidate qualifications. The position is based out of the 60 West Drive office, with travel throughout the region to attend clinics. While a hybrid workplace model is in place, staff need to have an on-site and/or community presence as per program/client needs. The Canadian Mental Health Association – Peel Dufferin Branch is a community-based agency dedicated to the mental, physical, and social health of everyone, including its team members. They have been recognized as a Canadian Non-Profit Employer of Choice and are committed to increasing awareness and addressing the stigma surrounding mental health. They prioritize creating a diverse organization that reflects the communities they serve.

Requirements

Degree/Diploma in Social Services or relevant discipline.
A personal experience with mental health and/or addiction and established recovery, as well as a willingness to share experience is required.
Minimum 2 years of experience working with vulnerable populations (i.e. mental illness, addiction, trauma).
Ability to connect and engage with clients who are experiencing mental illness/addiction challenges.
Knowledgeable about trauma informed approaches to care.
Demonstrated diversity and cultural competence; demonstrated understanding of the impact of oppression and social determinants of health.
Familiarity and knowledge of all programs offered by CMHA Peel, partnering agencies, and outside referral sources.
Well-developed and demonstrated knowledge of mental health, mental illness, stress management, anti-stigma, workplace wellness, mental health system issues and health promotion principles.
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.
Wellness and Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) training is an asset.
Experience facilitating and creating peer support groups is an asset.
Knowledge of concurrent disorder, addictions, and dual diagnosis would be an asset.
Fluency in a second language, including ASL (American Sign Language) is considered an asset.

Responsibilities

Provide short-term mental health and addictions consultation.
Assist in providing responsive integrated care to individuals seeking treatment for substance use disorders.
Collaborate on treatment plans and bi-weekly for clinical case presentations.
Orientate new clients to the program.
Establish a supportive, ongoing relationship with clients and their support systems.
Listen and allow clients to talk and share thoughts and feelings.
Normalize the experience and acknowledge thoughts and feelings.
Provide information, as appropriate to issues disclosed, about stress reaction or post-traumatic stress.
Identify stress management techniques and information on self-care.
Encourage and facilitate, as appropriate, safety reporting where necessary.
Develop a Wellness Plan with each client and their supports which will support and maintain client wellness.
Contribute to comprehensive assessments with clients and their supports which identifies client strengths and needs.
Establish and implement Recovery Plans to guide the mutual work towards client recovery.
Provide on-going supportive counselling, life skills coaching, pre-vocational/vocational coaching and appropriate referrals that will enable clients to achieve their goals.
Consult, advocate and liaise with community resources and agencies to assist clients in achieving their goals.