Peer Mentor (Shelter Support)

Peel Addiction Assessment and Referral Centre; Mississauga; Hybrid; CAD 48,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mileage reimbursement

RRSP matching

Health/dental plan

LTD/Life insurance

EAP

Vacation 4 weeks

Remote work one day/week

Professional development

Job summary

PAARC in Peel Region seeks a Peer Mentor to support individuals living with addiction and mental health challenges at three shelters (Mississauga and Brampton). This role values lived experience and person-centred care.

You will collaborate with clinicians and case managers to provide group and 1:1 support, accompany clients to appointments, and help clients achieve recovery goals in a fast-paced setting. This full-time role includes mileage reimbursement, RRSP matching, health/dental, EAP, 4

Qualifications

• Lived experience of addiction and 2 years of recovery.
• Secondary school completion or equivalent.
• Post-secondary education is an asset.
• Criminal Records Check/Vulnerable Sector Screening required.

Responsibilities

• Provide peer support to PAARC clients and enhance recovery journeys.
• Co-facilitate groups and conduct individual support meetings.
• Accompany clients to appointments and distribute approved information.
• Collaborate with clinical staff and case managers for holistic care.
• Engage in service development, meetings, and training.
• Use lived experience to support clients with empathy and respect.
• Maintain professionalism in a fast-paced setting.
• Serve as a positive role model for clients and peers.

Skills

Lived experience

Community outreach

Non-judgemental communication

Team collaboration

Education

Secondary school or equivalent

Post-secondary education an asset

Tools

CPR/First Aid Certification

Job description

Join us at Peel Addiction Assessment & Referral Centre (PAARC) and become a catalyst for change in the lives of individuals navigating the complexities of addiction and mental health challenges. This is more than a job—it's a chance to make a real difference in your community and to grow with a team that values your expertise and passion.

About Peel Addiction Assessment & Referral Centre (PAARC):

PAARC is a notable not-for-profit charitable organization funded by the Ministry of Health, through Ontario Health Central Region. With full accreditation from the Canadian Centre for Accreditation, we're dedicated to providing comprehensive services to those dealing with alcohol, drugs, gambling, gaming, and various behavioral dependencies, alongside supporting mental health challenges. Our commitment to a diverse, inclusive workplace and a person-centered approach underlines our services and team ethos.

About the role

PAARC is partnering with the Region of Peel to provide peer support for individuals living with addiction challenges, directly within three Peel Region shelters: Cawthra (2500 Cawthra Road, Mississauga), Wilkinson (15 Wilkinson Road, Brampton) and Motel 6 (160 Steelwell Road, Brampton).

As a Peer Mentor at PAARC, you will work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to enhance the clinical work of our counsellors and case managers by providing person-centred support from a lived experience perspective. Your role will involve community outreach and direct support to clients of our programs, fostering hope and helping clients achieve their recovery goals.

This is a full-time, permanent role working at the three shelters and within PAARC's regional boundaries (Brampton, Mississauga, Caldeon).

Benefits included: Mileage reimbursement, RRSP matching, group health/dental plan, LTD/life insurance, EAP, 4 weeks of vacation to start, remote work one day per week, professional development opportunities

What you'll do

• Provide peer support to PAARC clients, enhancing their recovery journey.
• Co-facilitate educational and support groups and conduct individual support meetings.
• Accompany clients to appointments and distribute approved information to support program goals.
• Work collaboratively with clinical staff, community nurse counsellors, and case managers to provide holistic support.
• Participate in service development discussions, team meetings, and training sessions as required.
• Demonstrated ability to engage clients and provide support based on personal lived experience of addiction and recovery.
• Strong interpersonal skills, open, non-judgemental, and committed to professional growth and learning.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, demonstrating adaptability, resiliency, and strong work ethics.
• Excellent emotional health and a balanced sense of self, serving as a positive role model for clients and peers.

Requirements

• Lived experience of addiction and active engagement in you own recovery process, including 2 years of recovery
• Completion of Secondary School or equivalent education and experience is required
• Post secondary education is an asset
• Experience in substance abuse and knowledge of issues related to withdrawal management.
• Non-violent crisis intervention, CPR, and First Aid Certification.
• Reliable and efficient transportation for community visits.
• A Criminal Records Check/Vulnerable Sector Screening is mandatory for all clinical positions at PAARC.

Working Conditions

Working hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 pm- 4:30 pm.

PAARC is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to accessible and inclusive employment practices in compliance with AODA. We value diversity and encourage all qualified candidates, including women, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, and Aboriginal Peoples, to apply. Our commitment extends through all recruitment stages. We encourage candidates to specify if they require any accommodation to ensure their full participation in the recruitment process, striving for an inclusive work environment where everyone is respected and valued.

The pay range for this role is:

48,000 - 53,000 CAD per year (Dixie Road)