Peer Support Worker_FT-Contact

DATE: April 23, 2025
LOCATION: York Region, ON – York Region Street Outreach & Services Network
COMPENSATION: $50,409 - $59,904 Annually Prorated
CONTRACT DURATION: until March 31, 2026 with possibility of extension

LOFT Community Services is a unique and dynamic charitable organization that supports people living with complex issues such as mental and physical health challenges, substance use challenges, poverty, and homelessness. Serving 19,633 annually and providing 1,861 units of supportive housing last year, LOFT is one of Ontario’s largest mental health service providers of its kind. LOFT is also recognized as a Nonprofit Employer of Choice Award (NEOC) recipient.

To help fulfill its mission, LOFT is hiring a Full-time Contract Peer Support Worker.

Job Summary

The Peer Support Worker position is open to those who have lived experience with mental health and/or addiction and have gone through a process of recovery. The peer mentor is responsible for using their lived experience to assist others in the recovery process and to navigate the mental health and addiction systems. This would be accomplished through a variety of activities such as group facilitation, individual support with appointments, and structured positive relationship building.

The York Region Street Outreach and Services Network provides a mobile van service that operates seven days a week from 2 pm – 9 pm, except for statutory holidays in York Region. Using a harm reduction approach, the program provides services to residents of York Region experiencing homelessness and those living at low and moderate-income levels. Clients are able to receive support from the van for basic needs and life-saving services in a manner that fosters self-worth and dignity.

What You Will Do

1. Accompany clients to various appointments in the community.
2. Help with goal setting, problem solving, and emotional support.
3. Work in collaboration with other program staff and community partners.
4. Contribute to program development and implementation.
5. Facilitate and co-facilitate mental health/recovery/treatment groups.
6. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of local resources and assist with referrals to support as needed.
7. Help ensure that clients are connecting with caseworkers and vice versa.
8. Support a regular number of clients by meeting in the community.
9. Establish a supportive relationship.
10. Guide clients to make choices that promote safety, wellness, and recovery.
11. Be a positive role model and encourage others in the recovery process.
12. Attend training sessions and group meetings.
13. Have regular supervision with director or senior staff.
14. Prepare and dismantle group settings, including light cleaning and trash removal.

What You Bring

Must Haves

1. Completion of peer training.
2. Experience/knowledge of mental health/addictions systems.
3. Solid working knowledge of recovery principles.
4. Knowledge of community services and supports.
5. Some experience in peer support counselling.
6. Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
7. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
8. Enthusiastic problem solver with positive conflict resolution and goal-setting practices.
9. Proficient computer skills.
10. Flexible availability.

Nice-to-Haves

1. Knowledge of other languages is an asset.
2. An understanding of cultural competency and framework.
3. Relevant degree/diploma in Social Service.

Work Environment:

Walk up and down stairs, physically able to assist clients with daily living activities, occasional travel to different locations with transit and/or own vehicle, outdoor travel, lifting objects up to 50 lbs.

What We Offer

1. 24/7 Employee Assistance Program.
2. E-learning program available all year round.
3. Starting vacation time above minimum standard.
4. Paid personal and paid sick days.
5. Corporate Gym membership rate with GoodLife Fitness.
6. Access to Perkopolis, a comprehensive corporate discount program.
7. Access to unlimited DEI trainings through partnership with the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion.
8. A chance to push your ideas from inception to execution.
9. Satisfying work with a fun, energetic, and supportive leader.
10. An opportunity to be a change maker in an organization that reaches people often overlooked.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

LOFT Community Services is a values-driven organization with a deep belief that each person has the ability to grow and change. We value compassion, collaboration, and community delivered with dignity, innovation, and excellence. LOFT’s vision is that together, we can all live successfully in our community. Our client population reflects Ontario’s diverse community and it is LOFT’s goal to build a workforce that reflects that diversity. At LOFT, we hold the deep belief that skills and expertise can be cultivated in various ways. Therefore, even if you don't perfectly align with every listed criterion but feel you could flourish in this role, we highly encourage you to apply.

Note: A satisfactory vulnerable sector check (VSC) is also required.

CLOSING DATE: May 7, 2025

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LOFT Community Services is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment and dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live and serve. LOFT is committed to making employment opportunities accessible in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. Requested accommodation will be provided in all parts of the application and hiring process by contacting hrteam@loftcs.org or (416) 979-1994.