Peer Support Worker (Full-time Permanent)

Lake of the Woods District Hospital; Keewatin; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Lake of the Woods District Hospital is seeking a full-time Peer Support Worker to assist individuals affected by mental health and addiction issues. This role involves using lived experience and professional training to promote recovery within a supportive environment. The ideal candidate will have a Social Services certificate and peer support certification, bringing communication and advocacy skills to help clients navigate their challenges. This position includes comprehensive benefits and a commitment to professional development.

Benefits

2 weeks paid vacation

Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan

Desjardin Group Life Insurance coverage

Extended health benefits including dental and vision

Relocation and accommodation packages

Access to staff physiotherapy and onsite gym

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• A valid Ontario Driver’s License with a clean driver’s abstract is mandatory.
• Direct personal experience with substance use disorder (SUD) is an asset.
• Naloxone training required to be completed during orientation.

Responsibilities

• Provide support to individuals affected by mental health and substance use disorder.
• Maintain a safe working environment for clients and co-workers.
• Promote recovery in a supportive and confidential setting.

Skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Advocacy

Crisis de-escalation

Education

Social Services/Health Care College Certificate

Peer Support Certification

First Aid/CPR Certificate

Job description

Competition Number	2025-822-040
Job Type	Full-time Permanent
Hours	1.00 FTE
Classification	PESW
Department	Mental Health and Addictions
Salary	$30.6333 to $31.7870 per hour Per CUPE LOCAL 822 Collective Agreement
Closing Date	Monday, June 30, 2025

THIS JOB OPPORTUNITY IS ONLY OPEN TO CURRENT INTERNAL LAKE OF THE WOODS DISTRICT HOSPITAL EMPLOYEES

Description

Under the direction of the LWDH Program supervisor or designate, the Peer Support Worker (PESW) provides support to individuals and families who are affected by the stigma and reality of mental health and substance use disorder (SUD). The PESW is someone who has experienced a mental illness and/or SUD. The PESW has a blend of education, training and lived experience. Through the combination of these three (3) components, the PESW will promote recovery; provide a supportive and safe environment where people can talk confidentially and without judgement.

All services provided must be consistent with the Mission, Vision, and Values of Lake of the Woods District Hospital (LWDH).

The Peer Support Worker must maintain a safe working environment for themselves, co-workers and clients.

If this opportunity sounds like a great fit for you and you meet most of the essential qualifications we are looking for, we encourage you to apply and provide us more details about why you think you would be a great fit. LWDH is dedicated to ongoing professional development and continuing education opportunities to enhance skillsets and working experience.

Why Work with LWDH? In this position, there are many benefits to joining our team:

• 2 weeks paid vacation
• Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan enrolment, one of Canada’s largest defined benefit pension plans that includes inflation protections, survivor benefits, buyback options, and early retirement
• Desjardin Group Life Insurance coverage that includes life insurance, and short/long-term disability coverage
• Green Shield Canada extended health benefits for single and family including dental services, prescription, health services, vision, hospital accommodation, etc.
• Relocation and accommodation packages and support
• Access to staff physiotherapy, onsite gym, Employee Assistance Program, staff wellness initiatives, and much more!

Qualifications

• A Social Services/Health Care College Certificate, and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required
• Peer Support Certification is an asset
• Naloxone training required to be completed during orientation
• A valid First Aid/CPR Certificate is mandatory
• Direct personal experience with substance use disorder (SUD) is an asset
• Must possess strong communication, organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work well with Clients, Family Members, Professionals and Agencies of varying ideologies
• Self-motivation to work independently and interpersonal skills to work well as a team member
• Must possess a broad knowledge of community resources and the ability to strongly advocate for people and make professional referrals
• Understands harm reduction framework and demonstrated ability to support complex needs around this
• Excellent written and documentation skills
• Able to mediate and negotiate situations and possesses de-escalation skills
• Self-motivated, comfortable working with minimal oversight
• Proven computer proficiency to facilitate the use of automated assessment tools and Microsoft products
• Understanding of data collection for the purposes of statistical reporting and quality improvement
• A valid Ontario Driver’s License, with a clean driver’s abstract and regular access to a vehicle is mandatory
• Current Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check
• Reliable attendance record

Please apply through the online application process via https://lwdh.talentpoolbuilder.com/

We thank all applicants for their interest but advise that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. First consideration will be given to current internal employees of LWDH.

Qualified applicants may be considered for other comparable positions or within the same classification other than this posted position.

Please prepare your application in accordance with the qualifications posted in the job advertisement. Applications will be screened based on the posted qualifications.

LWDH is committed to the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion and belongingness in our operations, throughout our workplace, and seeks to employ individuals who are committed to and value these principles.

We believe in and promote the rights of all persons with disabilities as outlined in the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA 2005) and its related Accessibility Standards Regulations. To meet this responsibility, LWDH will make appropriate accommodations, including alternative formats available. Please inform Human Resources of any accommodation(s) at any point throughout the recruitment and selection process to ensure your equal participation.

LWDH values the importance of creating a workplace that reflects the population it serves and promotes the representation of the Employment Equity groups as outlined by the Employment Equity Act (1993). Applicants are encouraged to self-declare at the time of application.

For more information or to request an accommodation please contact the Human Resources Department at 807-468-9861 ext. 2393