Community-Based Peer Navigator, Mental Health & Addictions

CMHA Waterloo Wellington; Toronto; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 49,000; Part time

Job summary

CMHA Waterloo Wellington is seeking a Peer Navigator for the Mental Health & Addictions Resource Centre (MHARC) project. The role is part-time (28 hours/week, Tuesday to Friday, 11am–7pm) based at 298 Lawrence Ave., Kitchener.

The position is a six-month pilot delivering peer-led, low-barrier access, triage, stabilization, and navigation services within a Community setting. The successful candidate will bring lived experience with addiction or mental health challenges, strong communication

Qualifications

• Personal lived/living experience with substance use and/or mental health challenges and recovery and a willingness to use lived experience in a peer support role.
• Ability to navigate, and willingness to engage in safe and appropriate self-disclosure
• Demonstrated understanding of recovery values, knowledge of peer support practices, trauma-informed and anti-oppression practice, and harm reduction theory and practices
• Understanding of social determinants of health and culturally responsive practice
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team approach to services
• Comfort with and sensitivity to serious mental health and addictions challenges
• Ability to support individuals in crisis and use basic de-escalation strategies
• Ability to work effectively in fast-paced, high stress situations
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to engage in reflexive practice and be open to ongoing learning
• Effective in setting and maintaining boundaries
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making ability
• Ability to practice proactive self-care
• Strong knowledge of resources and supports in Waterloo Region
• Proficiency in the use of computers
• Ability to work both independently using a self-directed approach and as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Aligns with CMHA WW values of: Mutual Respect, Accountability, Integrity and Excellence and innovation and a culture that is welcoming and inclusive.

Responsibilities

• Provide peer support to MHARC clients and collaborate with partner care providers.
• Represent Self Help & Peer Support in the community and make referrals to the service.
• Work under the Manager of Self Help & Peer Support and support crisis planning and navigation.

Skills

Lived experience

Team collaboration

Crisis support

De-escalation

Boundaries

Communication skills

Self-care

Resource knowledge

Computer skills

Independent work

Education

Bachelor’s degree or two year college diploma in social services/health

Job description

CMHA Waterloo Wellington is seeking a Peer Navigator for the Mental Health & Addictions Resource Centre (MHARC) project. The role is part-time (28 hours/week, Tuesday to Friday, 11am–7pm) based at 298 Lawrence Ave., Kitchener.

The position is a six-month pilot delivering peer-led, low-barrier access, triage, stabilization, and navigation services within a Community setting. The successful candidate will bring lived experience with addiction or mental health challenges, strong communication