Internal/External Peer Support Worker - YWHO Chatham Site

Canadian Mental Health Association Lambton Kent; Chatham; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Canadian Mental Health Association Lambton Kent invites applicants for a Peer Support Worker – YWHO. The role focuses on person-centered support, drawing on lived experience to help youth and adults experiencing mental health issues.

You will work under the Integrated Client Services framework to foster connection, promote wellness, and support clients toward their recovery goals. The position requires a post-secondary diploma in a related field, lived recovery experience, and a valid Ontario

Qualifications

• Post-secondary diploma in a relevant discipline (e.g., Social Service Worker) or Addictions & Mental Health with registration.
• CACCF Peer Support Specialist certification or equivalent registration as deemed relevant by the employer.
• 1–2 years’ experience in a health-related organization with adolescents/young adults.
• Personal lived experience in recovery from mental health/addiction challenges.
• Valid Ontario driver’s licence and access to a vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Engage clients through peer-based rapport, active listening and empathetic conversation.
• Provide practical support: problem-solving, life skills development, navigating community resources.
• Facilitate group or one-to-one wellness activities, goal setting, and skill-building.
• Collaborate with YWHO staff to maintain a welcoming, safe environment for all.
• Promote independence and community peer development; support empowerment and self-advocacy.

Skills

Active listening

Empathy

Problem solving

Life skills development

Group facilitation

Education

Post-secondary diploma in Social Service Work / Addictions & Mental Health

CACCF Peer Support Specialist certification or equivalent

Job description

Peer Support Worker – YWHO

1 Permanent Full-time

At Canadian Mental Health Association Lambton Kent a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace is one where all employees, volunteers, students and clients, whatever their gender, race, ethnicity, creed (religion), national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education or disability or any protected ground under the Human Rights Code, feel valued and respected. We are committed to a non-discriminatory and unbiased approach to inclusion including practice, environment and communication channels. We respect and value diverse life experiences and cultures and work to ensure that all voices are valued and heard.

The Peer Support Worker will provide person‑centered drawing on their lived experience to build trust, foster connection, and promote wellness to youth and adult individuals who are experiencing mental health issues. The incumbent will also provide additional supports to clients to work toward the achievement of their goals as identified in the person’s recovery plan and work closely with the primary worker.

Reporting to the Integrated Manager of Integrated Client Services, the incumbent will be responsible for the following functions:

• Engaging clients through peer‑based rapport building, offering active listening and empathetic conversation.
• Providing practical support, including problem‑solving, developing life skills, and navigating community resources and systems.
• Facilitating group or one‑to‑one wellness activities, such as meaningful activity engagement, goal setting, and skill‑building.
  
• Collaborating with YWHO staff to help maintain a welcoming and safe environment for all.
• Promotes opportunities for increased independence and champions community peer development;

• Support clients in developing empowerment skills and combating stigma through self‑advocacy.
• Champions community peer development.

Qualifications:

• Post‑secondary diploma in a relevant discipline such as a Social Service Worker, or Addictions and Mental Health with a Professional Registration. Peer Support Specialist certification through C.A.C.C.F (Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation) or other education/qualifications with registration deemed relevant by employer.
  
• 1-2 years’ experience in a health related organization and experience working with Adolescents/young adults with mental health issues.
• Personal lived experience in recovery from a mental health and/or addiction challenges.
• A valid Ontario Driver’s Licence and access to a vehicle.

Hours of Work: 35 hours/week with working one evening per week. Flexible hours are required to meet the position requirements.

If you require an accommodation, we will work with you to meet your needs. This information is available in an alternative format upon request, to accommodate individuals with a disability. While we thank all applicants for their interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. If contacted for an interview, please inform us should accommodation be required.

POSTING DATE: November 2, 2026

CLOSING DATE: November 10, 2026