Recovery-Focused ED Peer Specialist

St. Joseph's Health Centre, Toronto; Toronto; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Unity Health Toronto is seeking a Peer Support Specialist for Substance Use Services to engage patients in Emergency Department, inpatient and outpatient settings, leveraging personal lived experience to promote wellness and recovery. The role emphasizes hope, non-judgmental support, and collaboration with an interprofessional team within the SUD-ICP programs.

Responsibilities include developing individualized recovery plans, assisting navigation to community resources, and contributing to staff

Qualifications

• Lived experience with substance use issues is required.
• Knowledge of issues affecting individuals with substance use and concurrent challenges.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate with clients, families, service providers, and interprofessional teams.
• Ability to develop helping relationships with individuals in diverse and complex situations.
• Ability to support individuals in crisis and use de-escalation strategies.
• Understanding of social determinants of health and experience working with marginalized populations.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, interprofessional Emergency Department environment.
• Peer Support Specialist certification preferred.
• Facilitator training in WRAP/LifeRing preferred.
• Recent peer support experience in healthcare or acute care settings preferred.
• Excellent attendance and punctuality record.

Responsibilities

• Facilitates recovery by providing hope, encouragement, and supporting self-determination to individuals seeking substance use care, including those in crisis within the Emergency Department
• Shares personal recovery journey and experiences to support individuals in their own recovery
• Provides 1:1 support in developing personalized wellness and recovery plans, including identifying immediate needs during ED visits
• Provides social, emotional, and practical support to individuals, presenting to the Emergency Department and/or inpatient units
• Supports engagement and assists with de-escalation of distress using non-judgmental, recovery-oriented approaches
• Collaborates with interprofessional teams, service users, and supports in the development and implementation of individualized recovery plans
• Assists individuals in accessing substance use, mental health, and community supports, including navigation from ED to community services
• Works to bridge the gap between service users and providers, advocating for patient needs and perspectives
• Serves as a role model and provides education to staff on the lived experience perspective within ED care
• Participates in care planning meetings, team huddles, and documentation in accordance with hospital standards
• Participates in quality improvement, evaluation, and program development activities related to peer support services in the ED
• Provides education to stakeholders regarding peer support and recovery-oriented care
• Participates in ongoing professional development and networking with community peer support organizations

Skills

Lived experience

Communication

De-escalation

Interprofessional teamwork

Social determinants of health

Diversity & inclusion

Education

Peer Support Specialist certification preferred

WRAP/LifeRing facilitator training preferred

Healthcare peer support experience preferred

Job description

Unity Health Toronto is seeking a Peer Support Specialist for Substance Use Services to engage patients in Emergency Department, inpatient and outpatient settings, leveraging personal lived experience to promote wellness and recovery. The role emphasizes hope, non-judgmental support, and collaboration with an interprofessional team within the SUD-ICP programs.

Responsibilities include developing individualized recovery plans, assisting navigation to community resources, and contributing to staff