Peer Support Worker (TPT 0.8 FTE)

The Royal Mental Health Centre; Brockville; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading mental health center in Canada is seeking a Forensic Family Peer Support Worker. This role focuses on supporting families of individuals in various phases of the forensic unit, advocating for family needs, and providing peer support and mentorship. Ideal candidates will have personal experience with mental health issues and strong communication skills to engage effectively with families and the clinical team.

Qualifications

• Personal history supporting a family member with mental health issues.
• Time management and task completion skills.
• Self-motivated to work independently or as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Provide recovery-based peer support to families of individuals in forensic care.
• Facilitate group presentations on mental health topics.
• Coordinate community support activities and connect families to resources.

Skills

Communication

Organizational

Critical Thinking

Conflict Resolution

Interpersonal

Education

Peer Support Worker certification (willing to obtain)

English proficiency level A-

Job description

Purpose: Under the guidance and support of the Client and Family Hub, the Forensic Family Peer Support Worker will provide recovery-based peer support services and outreach support to family members of individuals in assessment, stabilization, rehabilitation, and transition phases of the Forensic Unit. This position will serve as a family advocate (advocating with NOT for) and support the family while other team members focus on the individual. The Forensic Family Peer Support Worker performs a wide range of tasks to assist the family who support their family member. This includes supporting families with finding needed resources, assisting families with understanding, developing family goals and plans, and supporting them while they support their family member as requested by the family. The role involves one-to-one peer mentoring and group peer support for the family. The Worker will role model wellness and recovery, ongoing coping skills from a family perspective, and offer a family perspective to the clinical team to support their understanding of family perspectives.

Duties:

• Interface with peers, colleagues, service providers, family members, and community members in an empathetic, professional manner.
• Establish rapport with people of various cultural and/or economic backgrounds.
• Represent the Royal with professionalism within the community and workplace.
• Work one-to-one with family members to support their self-determination, personal growth, empowerment, and recovery goals.
• Speak from the perspective of a family member, sharing personal experiences regarding supporting a family member with mental health/substance use and forensic issues.
• Attend case conference meetings to support the family upon request.
• Support family members in advocating for themselves within the Royal and the community.
• Facilitate or co-facilitate group presentations on mental health topics, including sharing personal recovery journeys.
• Share lived expertise in a helpful way, demonstrating peer support values.
• Maintain a commitment to wellness/recovery and believe in the recovery potential of all individuals.
• Adhere to ethical and professional conduct guidelines (MHCC). Participate in ongoing training and professional development.
• Coordinate and provide Peer Service activities, including connecting families to community supports, facilitating support groups, and outreach.
• Inform families about community resources such as housing, employment, education, transportation, and health services.
• Represent a family perspective in marketing, curriculum development, program design, planning, policy, and delivery.
• Participate actively in staff meetings, supervision, community activities, and ensure timely documentation.
• Contribute to program evaluation, quality improvement, and research activities.
• Be familiar with the Royal’s strategic plan, policies, procedures, and relevant legislation.
• Stay current with literature, workshops, and networking to enhance practice.
• Work in compliance with safety practices and foster a respectful workplace environment.

Qualifications:

• Personal history supporting a family member with mental health, co-occurring issues, and forensic or criminal justice involvement.
• Time management and task completion skills.
• Strong communication, organizational, critical thinking, and goal-setting skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including active and reflective listening.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Effective conflict resolution skills.
• Computer literacy, valid driver’s license, and reliable transportation.
• Desirable: peer support training, knowledge of legislation, community resources, current Peer Support Worker certification (or willingness to obtain within 2 years), and experience with Family WRAP services.
• English proficiency at level A-; bilingual (English/French) is an asset.