Peer Worker

Rise People, Inc.; Sault Ste. Marie; Hybrid; CAD 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

CMHA Algoma is seeking a Peer Worker to support individuals living with mental illness and/or addictions in community-based, client-centered services. The role emphasizes shared lived experience and the value of mutual support among clients.

The Peer Worker will engage with multiple CMHA Algoma programs, deliver outreach in the community, and promote positive attitudes toward those facing mental health challenges while coordinating with stakeholders and teams.

Qualifications

• Certificate or Diploma in a Health/ Human Service-related field.
• Mandatory First Aid/CPR and Safe Food Handling Certification.
• ASIST Certification or willingness to obtain within 3 months.
• Minimum one-year experience in mental health or addictions.
• Lived experience with mental health/addictions preferred.

Responsibilities

• Promote positive attitudes toward individuals with mental health/addiction problems through outreach in the community and across programs.
• Provide peer support within HART Hub, Emergency Department Navigator, Community Hubs, Residential, Downtown Ambassadors, and Community Wellness initiatives.
• Assist with general organizational responsibilities in line with CMHA Algoma policies.

Skills

Peer support

Interpersonal communication

Teamwork

Time management

Client advocacy

Education

Certificate or Diploma in Health/Human Services

First Aid/CPR Certification

ASIST Certification or willingness to obtain (within 3 months)

Job description

Salary: $20.30 -$25.26/hour, per Local 684 Collective Agreement

Union/Non-Union: Union, OPSEU/SEFPO Local 684

About CMHA Algoma

The Canadian Mental Health Association, Algoma Branch (CMHA Algoma) is a community-based mental health and addictions agency committed to improving the well-being of individuals and families throughout the Algoma District. Guided by our mission, vision, and values of respect, integrity, and compassion, we deliver a broad range of programs and services to meet diverse community needs.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Peer Worker is responsible for supporting individuals living with mental illness and/or addictions, to improve the quality of their lives, through the provision of community based, client centered services that support positive interdependence. The Peer Worker functions in a manner founded upon the principle that people who have life experiences in common, have something to offer each other, which cannot be provided by others. This approach assumes that individuals who have experienced a serious mental illness and/or addiction can better understand and relate to individuals trying to deal with their mental illness and/or addiction and are in a unique position to help. The Peer Worker carries out these responsibilities in accordance with the mission, vision and values of CMHA Algoma, relevant legislation and regulations and organizational policies, to promote the delivery of efficient and high-quality services.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Peer Support, Community Relations/Advocacy, and General Organizational Responsibilities

Promoting positive and supportive attitudes toward individuals who have experienced mental health/addiction problems through outreach support in the community within various programs (specific duties within each program vary): HART Hub, Emergency Department Navigator, Community Hubs, Residential, Downtown Ambassadors, Community Wellness Bus.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Certification & Experience

• Certificate or Diploma, preferably in a Human or Health Service-related field
• OPDI - Peer Support core Essential Training Certification or an approved alternative training (or willingness to obtain) preferred
• Mandatory First Aid/CPR and Safe Food Handling Certification
• ASIST Certification or willing to obtain on own, within 3 months
• Minimum one-year experience in the fields of mental health and/or addictions
• Lived experience with mental health/addictions and/or demonstrated experience working with individuals facing mental health/addictions issues

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to work in partnership with clients
• Ability and flexibility to work independently and as part of a team
• Demonstrated organizational and time-management skills, accountability, reliability and punctuality and ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Working knowledge of community resources\Basic computer and internet usage skills will be considered an asset
• Willing to work flexible hours
• Personal knowledge of the mental health system
• Demonstrated ability to engage in reasonable self-care strategies that incorporate balancing work/life responsibilities
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills

Other

• Acceptable Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check upon hire and to be maintained throughout employment
• Ability to provide effective client services in English and French, is preferred
• Requires heavy lifting, reaching, repetitive and bending
• Ability to move, ascend, descend and position self from floor and back up for prolong periods
• Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle, if required

Additional Information

This is a bargaining unit position. Internal candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and requirements will be given priority consideration before external applicants.

CMHA Algoma is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are committed to providing accommodation throughout the recruitment and selection process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

Reason for Posting: Backfill

CMHA Algoma does not use Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the hiring process.