Peer Support Worker

Canadian Mental Health Association Toronto Branch; Toronto; On-site; CAD 41,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

HOOPP pension

Work‑life balance

Professional development

Job summary

CMHA Toronto is seeking a Peer Support Worker to join the Early Psychosis Intervention Team. This full-time contract supports young adults aged 16–34 with first-episode psychosis using a recovery‑oriented model.

The role involves one-on-one support, group facilitation, and collaboration with an interdisciplinary team. 35 hours per week, salary $30.19–$33.08/hour plus 4% vacation; located in Toronto.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree/diploma in Social Services or related field, or equivalent combo.
• Minimum two years in community mental health, peer support, or related setting.
• Demonstrated lived experience of mental health recovery and using it professionally.
• Experience facilitating groups or workshops.
• Knowledge of recovery-oriented practice, peer support, and trauma-informed approaches.
• Knowledge of community resources and services.
• Strong communication, engagement, and facilitation skills.
• Ability to collaborate within an interdisciplinary team and engage diverse communities.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification and ability to travel within the community.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one peer support using recovery-oriented and strengths-based approaches.
• Share lived experience to inspire hope, resilience, and recovery.
• Build trusting relationships with program participants.
• Facilitate peer support groups, workshops, and recovery activities.
• Support participants in developing life skills and wellness strategies.
• Encourage social, educational, and employment opportunities.
• Assist participants in accessing community resources and navigating services.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team to support recovery plans.
• Maintain confidential documentation per PHIPA and policies.
• Contribute to a safe, welcoming environment and participate in quality initiatives.

Skills

Lived experience

Group facilitation

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Collaboration

Travel ability

Education

Post-secondary degree or diploma in Social Services

Equivalent education and experience

Experience in community mental health or related field

Job description

Peer Support Worker – Early Psychosis Intervention Program – ( Full-Time Contract - 5 months)

The Role and Opportunity

CMHA Toronto is seeking a Peer Support Worker to join our Early Psychosis Intervention Team. This position is to facilitate the recovery of people living with mental health challenges by providing an inclusive and safe space that creates opportunities for community-based peer support and skills. Our Early Psychosis Intervention program serves young adults aged 16–34 who have experienced a first episode of psychosis, along with their families. Services are provided within a Coordinated Specialty Care for Psychosis Model to promote recovery, resiliency, and life skills development , helping young people stay on track with education and employment goals.

About CMHA Toronto

CMHA Toronto is the city’s leading community mental health agency. We provide accessible, quality care for Toronto residents through programs, research and advocacy that create belonging and hope. At CMHA Toronto, we take a client-first, trauma informed and recovery-oriented approach to supporting people and their families when they experience mental health challenges or live with mental illness. By integrating health and social care, we provide services that aid in long-term wellness including housing, employment, community connections and so much more. Our goal? Help everyone thrive in the community.

Hiring Salary Range : $30.19/hour – $33.08/hour + 4% vacation

Hours of Work : 35 per week

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide one-on-one peer support using a recovery-oriented and strengths-based approach.
• Share lived experience in a purposeful manner to inspire hope, resilience, and recovery.
• Build trusting and supportive relationships with program participants.
• Facilitate peer support groups, workshops, and recovery-focused activities.
• Support participants in developing life skills, wellness strategies, and personal recovery goals.
• Encourage participation in social, recreational, educational, and employment-related opportunities.
• Assist participants in accessing community resources and navigating mental health and social service systems.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to support individualized service and recovery plans.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation in accordance with organizational policies and PHIPA requirements.
• Contribute to a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment and participate in program, health and safety, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.

Experience & Education Required

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in Social Services, Human Services, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum two (2) years of experience in community mental health, addictions, peer support, or a related human services setting.
• Demonstrated lived experience of mental health and/or substance use recovery and the ability to use lived experience professionally to support others.
• Experience facilitating groups, workshops, or community-based programs.
• Knowledge of recovery-oriented practice, peer support principles, and trauma-informed approaches.
• Knowledge of community mental health, addiction services, social services, and community resources.
• Strong communication, engagement, relationship-building, advocacy, and facilitation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team and effectively engage diverse communities.
• Strong organizational, documentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification and ability to travel within the community as required.

WHY CHOOSE CMHA TORONTO?

If you care about mental illness and mental health and you have the right skills, then CMHA Toronto may be the place for you. We have a positive and fair workplace culture, where staff are provided with opportunities for learning and advancement. We are also big believers in wellness and work-life balance. Our benefits include:

• Health Care of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP), a predictable, secure monthly income upon retirement
• Work-life balance and flexibility – to ensure you have time for the things that matter to you
• Work with like-minded, passionate individuals and make an impact on mental health service delivery
• Build genuine and authentic connections, with colleagues and clients, with the goal of making a difference

CMHA Toronto is committed to promoting a workplace culture of inclusion, openness, mutual respect, and a ‘no blame and accountable’ environment. Our staff report that they value the flexibility in work schedules and the work-life balance CMHA Toronto encourages. They appreciate the training and development opportunities provided to staff and the encouragement for continuous learning. Staff often comment on the sense of family and personal support that exists throughout the organization.

CMHA Toronto is committed to our workforce reflecting the diversity of the communities within which we work and is an equal opportunity employer. As such we encourage applications from individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQQIA+, and/or those with lived or living experience of mental health and addictions challenges. If you are contacted for an interview, please advise prior to the interview if you require any accommodation.

To be eligible for this role, candidates will be required to adhere to our COVID-19 policy and provide proof of vaccination.

We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants at any stage of the hiring process.

This posting is for a new vacancy.

CMHA Toronto thanks all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.