Peer Support Specialist - Actt- Sw

Message about our hiring and operating practices during the COVID-19 pandemic

One of the fastest growing branches of CMHA, the Canadian Mental Health Association York Region and South Simcoe (CMHA-YRSS) provides 30+ mental health and addiction programs to adults, youth (age 12+), family caregivers, local businesses and community organizations. Providing a safe environment for our staff and clients is of the utmost importance to us and we continue to closely follow COVID-19 protocols and directives from Public Health.

All CMHA-YRSS employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of hire.

Rest assured that your well-being is our top priority and we have appropriate health and safety measures in place at each stage of the recruiting process and throughout our operations.

We are hiring a Peer Support Specialist on our ACT- SW Program!

• Permanent Full Time, working 35 hours per week. Evenings & Weekends may be required.

Why work for CMHA York Region?

We are a team committed to our vision of mental health support for all. We offer an inclusive, innovative and high-performance work culture that helps us deliver transformational impact. The organization cares about the growth, safety and well-being of employees and offers:

• Learning & development opportunities
• HOOPP (Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan)
• Comprehensive Health Benefits
• Competitive Total Compensation (including salary, benefits, pension)
• Robust Performance and Career Development program

Learn more about us by visiting: https://cmha-yr.on.ca/careers/

Location: The Peer Support Specialist in ACTT-SW team will work in hybrid model. Equipment will be provided by CMHA. The Individual is expected the work out in the community as well as in Vaughan office (8271 Keele St Unit 2, Vaughan, ON L4K 1Z1). Staff will be traveling to different Group home locations or clients to deliver in person services. Will be required travel within York Region & South Simcoe for training or meetings.

Job Profile:

The Peer Support Specialist collaborates with consumers to provide individualized and flexible support to help engage and integrate them into the community, and help to facilitate access to resources and supports to maximize independence and potential, and promote recovery. This individual will be running groups in congregate settings and will be providing one on one, short term support where required. They will make referrals to CMHA programs or community agencies based on clients needs. Peer Support Specialists have gone through a process of recovery and have obtained peer support related training to assist others with mental health challenges to identify and achieve life goals as part of their own recovery. In collaboration with the team, the Peer Support Specialist uses empowerment and Recovery-oriented approaches with individuals and groups to help combat stigma, raise self-esteem and mastery, improve self-concept, and instill hope.

In addition to compliance with all organizational policies and procedures, the incumbent is also expected to behave ethically, demonstrate competence in effective communication and team building, demonstrate effectiveness in working in a collaborative environment, and demonstrate confidence in decision-making and in building relationships.

Requirements:

• Excellent problem-solving and decision making skills
• Personal experience in mental health and/or addiction recovery.
• Proficiency with various forms of presentation media
• A valid Canadian driver’s license, a minimum $1,000,000 third party liability insurance
• Aptitude in developing innovative approaches to service delivery
• Competence in relevant computer applications particularly Microsoft Office and Outlook
• Group facilitation experience in congregate settings preferred.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• A satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Screening or Police Check
• Member of International Association of Peer Supporters (iNAPS) considered an asset.
• Ability to prioritize needs and organize work efficiently
• Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP) certificate considered an asset.
• A second language (Cantonese, Farsi, Italian, Korean, Mandarin, Punjabi, Russian, Tamil, Urdu) reflecting the local community is preferred
• Ability to apply Recovery principles and empowerment oriented philosophies and practices in work with clients
• Four years or more experience of the mental health system
• A degree or diploma in the health or social services, or a related discipline.
• Knowledge of the Ontario Mental Health Act, mental health reform principles, the Substitute Decisions Act, the Health Care Consent Act and PHIPA requirements
• Ability to observe boundaries, engage in appropriate emotional regulation, refrain from dual relationships with consumers, maintain confidentiality, and engage in reasonable self-care strategies designed to reduce stress by balancing work/life responsibilities

The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an individual assigned to the job. This information is not constructed to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel in the job.

This position reports to, and is supervised by Manager, People & Teams.

Working Conditions:

• Works in a standard office environment, generally in a shared office setting.
• May work extensively at a desk using a computer up to 7 hours a day.
• Works in the community and in clients’ homes. Transporting the clients may needed.
• Extensive travel within York Region and South Simcoe.

Weekend and evening hours may be required

Disclaimer: In keeping with mental health reform, best practices, funding and direction this position may later require knowledge, skills, abilities and working conditions not noted here.

Application Procedures:

If you are interested in this opportunity, follow the link below and click on the “Apply Now” button in the top right corner of the page to proceed to upload your cover letter and resume:

https://cmha-yr.on.ca/careers/

Complete the application form and submit the Resume (PDF or Word)

CMHA-YRSS supports the recovery of people with mental illness and promotes diversity in the workplace. We welcome all applicants including persons with lived experience, women, aboriginal people, people with disabilities, and members of the 2SLGBTQ+, visible minority and immigrant communities to apply.

While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.