Peer Outreach Worker

**INTRODUCTION**:
The Mental Health and Addictions (MHA) Peer Outreach Workers (POW) will use their lived experience and training in mental health and addictions to establish connection, trust, and rapport, with individuals who identify as Indigenous living in the Brantford area and who are experiencing mental health and addictions issues. The MHA POWs will provide a unique perspective and inspire hope for those who are experiencing mental health and addictions issues.

**Role**:
POWs will provide outreach to hospitals, clinics, and community, 1 to 1 peer support, and regular facilitated groups (including weekly evening groups). MHA POW facilitated groups will provide an opportunity for individuals to connect with others in the community while working on improving and maintaining all aspects of wellness including physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. As a part of the outreach component of the position, partnerships and relationships will be built between existing peer outreach programs to learn from their successes, bring awareness to these services, and broaden connection for Indigenous individuals who may be accessing services through other programs in the community. This would include outreach to other Indigenous organizations, mental health and addictions services, hospital programs, and community services.

**Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Ability**
- A strong connection with Aboriginal culture and traditions.
- Lived experience with mental health and/or addictions required.
- Familiarity working with people who have experienced various forms of trauma, including intergenerational & historical trauma, homelessness or precarious housing, transitions between community and hospitals
- Knowledge of local programs and supports for Mental Health and Addictions
- Experience facilitating mental wellness and addictions groups (life skills, anger, anxiety, self esteem sleeping etc)
- Ability to provide one on one peer support in a formal or informal setting, such as drop-ins, shelters, streets, home visits.
- Ability to effectively manage disruptive behaviour and de-escalation.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team environment.
- Computer literacy and basic proficiency with Microsoft Office

**STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS**:

- Lived experience with mental health and/or addictions
- College diploma, peer support training considered an asset
- 2-5+ years experience working with individuals with complex needs

**Salary**: $40,000.00-$42,000.00 per year

**Benefits**:

- Casual dress
- Company events
- Company pension
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Vision care

Flexible Language Requirement:

- French not required

Schedule:

- Day shift
- Evening shift
- Monday to Friday
- Overtime

COVID-19 considerations:
All Covid-19 protocols are being followed.

**Education**:

- Secondary School (required)

**Experience**:

- Mental Health & Addictions: 2 years (required)
- Knowledge of local programs and supports for MH & Addictions: 1 year (required)

Work Location: In person