Peer Worker

**About us**

The Algoma Branch, chartered in 1963, is affiliated with a provincial network of 32 other Branches across Ontario. CMHA Algoma works closely with a variety of other community agencies including, but not limited to, hospitals, police services, schools, mental health and addiction agencies. Through its collaborative approach to education and services, the Branch is far-reaching and its programs touch many lives in the communities it serves.

Whether individuals are experiencing a mental illness, have a family member or friend with a mental illness, are a health care provider, an employer or are seeking information, CMHA Algoma is available to help.

The Algoma Branch is incorporated and is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. Funding for the programs and services is from many sources including, the Northeast LHIN, the United Way, service agreements, grants and donations.

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 offer assistance. 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/addictions problems through outreach support in the community within various programs (specific duties within each program vary): Clubhouse, Emergency Department Navigator, Community Hubs, Residential, Downtown Ambassadors

**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.
- Mental Health First Aid training preferred.
- ASIST, First Aid/CPR and Safe Food Handling 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 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.
- Strong communication skills
- 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 Police 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

**HOW TO APPLY**

**DISCLAIMER**

CMHA values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.

CMHA is committed to providing employment accommodation in accordance with

the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act

Application deadline: 2024-03-11
Expected start date: 2024-04-17

**Salary**: $19.65-$24.45 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

**Benefits**:

- Employee assistance program
- Paid time off

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed

**Experience**:

- mental health and addictions: 1 year (preferred)

Ability to Commute:

- Sault Ste. Marie, ON (required)

Ability to Relocate:

- Sault Ste. Marie, ON: Relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2024-03-11
Expected start date: 2024-04-17