PFT - Peer Support Worker

Canadian Mental Health Association - Windsor Essex County•Windsor, ON

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Peer Support Worker will work with an interdisciplinary team and provide multi-modal support to individuals in Windsor and Essex County who are experiencing a mental health concern, mental illness and/or addiction. The incumbent will provide outreach, life supportive counselling and assist in the navigation of mental health services. The Peer Support Worker may be required to intervene in crisis situations. Core competencies include collaboration, planning, communication, critical thinking, problem solving, managing information, capacity building and inclusivity.

Requirements

Completion of at minimum a two (2) year post-secondary College or University program in a field deemed relevant to the Employer is required.
Successful completion of Peer Support training is required upon hire.
One (1) year recent and relevant experience, in the judgement of the employer, working with vulnerable individuals, particularly those with a mental illness, addictions or a related diagnosis.
Experience working in a hospital Emergency Room is required and to the discretion of the funder.
Personal lived experience with substance use and recovery and is willing to self-disclose.
Familiarity with the guiding principles of peer support as detailed by Peer Support Canada, a deep commitment to understanding the recovery model, and a willingness to share experiences/stories as part of the peer role is required.
Successful attainment and maintenance of Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is required upon hire.
Demonstrated understanding of mental health; mental illness and recovery; information and referral services; and crisis intervention.
Knowledge of and ability to access and utilize mental health resources and network.
Computer literacy skills and working knowledge or various Microsoft Windows application is required.
A valid Ontario Driver’s License with access to a reliable vehicle and proof of current insurance and licensing are required for this position.
Candidacy for positions will require you to be authorized to work in Canada.
A satisfactory police vulnerable sector check is required as a condition of employment for all roles with CHMA-WECB.

Nice To Haves

Lived experience with mental illness is considered an asset.
Experience working or volunteering within addiction and/or mental health organizations is an asset.
Bilingualism in both official languages at the advanced level is considered an asset.

Responsibilities

Offer peer-based emotional and practical support to individuals experiencing mental health concerns, illness, or addiction.
Foster trusting, non-judgmental relationships rooted in shared experience, empathy, and cultural humility.
Use active listening and validation to support individuals in building resilience, self-efficacy, and hope.
Provide one-to-one work with individuals utilizing brief narrative strengths-based model to help individuals identify and build on their strengths
Uphold peer support values and responsibilities
Participate in community outreach activities such as presentations, attending meetings or work with other agencies to provide support and engage with the target population.
Engage in community-based approaches to connect with isolated or underserved individuals and build rapport over time.
Assist individuals in accessing and navigating local mental health, addiction, primary care, legal, housing, and social services.
Provide language and cultural interpretation where appropriate or connect individuals to other supports and advocates that best meets the individual’s needs.
Assist service users to become more familiar with and comfortable using community services.
Recognize signs of mental health crisis, distress, substance use or unsafe conditions and respond using trauma-informed practices.
Provide immediate support and connect individuals to appropriate services or crisis response teams when needed.
Deliver presentations, facilitation, coaching, teaching wellness, life and social skills in an individual or group setting
Facilitate informal workshops, one-on-one conversations, and printed/visual resources that address topics in mental health and addictions.
Collaborate with community partners, health care providers, and advocacy groups to build inclusive, supportive environments for individuals we provide service to.
Contribute to building a network of culturally safe and accessible services in Windsor and Essex County.
Advocate for the needs and rights of individuals within health systems, service agencies, and workplaces.
Share insights from the field with supervisors and partners to improve access and reduce service barriers.
Participate in team meetings, supervision, and reflective practice to support collaborative care and continuous learning.
Engage in ongoing professional development, particularly in anti-oppressive practice, trauma-informed care, equity, and cultural safety.
Maintain clear, confidential, and respectful records of support provided, in accordance with agency policies.
Contribute to data collection and reporting processes to demonstrate impact and support continuous program improvement.