Peer Support Coordinator

Peer Support Coordinator - Contract - Remote

You’ll feel great about a career with March of Dimes Canada

There are an estimated 878,000 Canadians living with stroke each year. Life after stroke brings many challenges for stroke survivors, their families, and caregivers. Many struggle with isolation, uncertainty, and difficulty accessing the support needed for recovery and reintegration. Peer support can address these challenges by connecting individuals impacted by stroke, enabling them to provide each other with social, emotional, and practical support. Through peer support, survivors and caregivers find hope, share knowledge, and learn effective strategies for navigating life after stroke.

After Stroke is March of Dimes Canada’s (MODC) personalized stroke recovery program that helps survivors, and their families navigate the path forward after a stroke. Through After Stroke’s Peer Support Network, online peer support groups are available across Canada, and in-person groups are established in communities nationwide. MODC is building a national After Stroke Peer Support Network to offer consistent, accessible, and equitable peer support to people impacted by stroke right across Canada.

The opportunity

The Peer Support Coordinator will drive the growth and impact of the After Stroke Peer Support Network, by increasing community awareness of and engagement, identifying and developing resources to meet community needs, and fostering a positive and inclusive experience for group volunteers. The Peer Support Coordinator will also support the planning and execution of events that enable connection and learning opportunities for community members.

Responsibilities

Stakeholder Engagement and Community Building

• Build and maintain relationships with community agencies, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders to expand the reach of the Peer Support Network.
• Collaborate with external partners to create joint initiatives and leverage available resources.
• Represent MODC and the Peer Support Network at community events, conferences, and meetings.
• Support the planning and execution of educational events, forums, and conferences for community members.
• Develop a pipeline of potential volunteer candidates through strategic relationship-building and outreach.
• Onboard suitable volunteers to establish new groups or to fit specific program requirements, and coordinate appropriate training based on each role and individual learning needs.
• Identify and engage existing groups, inviting them to join the Peer Support Network to expand and strengthen its impact.
• Proactively identify and address challenges in collaboration with colleagues, partners, volunteers, and stakeholders, resulting in an optimal program experience.
• Support volunteer appreciation and recognition initiatives to foster a positive and rewarding experience.

Peer Group Support

• Recruit skilled, committed volunteers to launch new peer support groups and identify existing groups for integration into the Peer Support Network.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to new group leaders, helping them to effectively establish their groups and initiate regular meetings.
• Facilitate connections among peer support volunteers to encourage the exchange of resources, insights, and support.
• Serve as the primary liaison between MODC and group volunteers, ensuring clear and timely communication.
• Adjust priorities as needed to meet evolving needs of the team and as peer support services evolve.

Evaluation, Quality Assurance and Reporting

• Ensure accurate and timely data collection and entry into MODC’s client and volunteer databases.
• Prepare reports on activities, outcomes, and any challenges encountered.
• Contribute to the development of relevant policies, procedures, and practices, balancing the needs of stakeholders and MODC.
• Support peer groups in adhering to MODC policies, guidelines, and best practices.
• Collaborate with the After Stroke team to equip volunteers with the knowledge and resources needed to provide high-quality peer support.

Qualifications and experience

• A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in the engagement and activation of communities, stakeholders and/or volunteers.
• Experienced in organizing events, including coordination of travel, venues, speakers, catering, and other logistical elements.
• Experience working with the disability community, along with knowledge of disability issues and/or lived experience with disability or providing person-centered support, are considered strong assets.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and diplomacy skills, with the ability to engage and motivate diverse groups of individuals, stakeholders and community agencies.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities, with the capacity to handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Self-motivated with the flexibility to adapt to changing demands and deadlines.
• Post-secondary degree/diploma in a relevant field, and/or related equivalent experience (e.g., Community Development, Volunteer Management, Project Management, etc.).
• English proficiency is required; French proficiency will be considered an asset.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to travel within Canada.
• Driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle.
• Ability to work occasional evenings/weekends.

Important details

This position is Full-time 8 months contract, remote based out of Toronto (supporting across Canada).

How to apply

Please submit your resume by November 25, 2024.

Questions about working at March of Dimes Canada?

Whether starting or advancing your career with us, you’ll feel great knowing that you’re:

• Contributing to our important mission: creating real change for people with disabilities
• Joining a leading national charity with a history of impact and a future full of possibility
• Enjoying industry-leading employment incentives and benefits
• Supported in your professional growth, development, and success
• Included in our empathetic and supportive work culture

Learn more about why we’re a great employer at marchofdimes.ca/careers.

For general inquiries, you can reach us at recruitment@marchofdimes.ca

We value the health & safety of our employees

MODC is committed to ensuring a healthy and safe work environment. We encourage all current and prospective employees to receive Covid-19 vaccinations and booster doses as recommended by Public Health. This reflects our dedication to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of our workforce.

Need accommodations? We're here to help

MODC is committed to a workforce that is reflective of the diverse populations we serve. We welcome applications from qualified individuals from all backgrounds and abilities. In accordance with accessibility and human rights legislation across Canada, MODC will provide accommodations to job applicants with disabilities and other protected needs. If you require accommodation, please notify us and we will work with you to meet your needs. We are committed to a selection process and work environment that is inclusive, equitable, accessible, and barrier-free.

Our Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity, and Inclusion (READI) approach

MODC is dedicated to building and advancing an inclusive and welcoming culture. It’s also why we’re focused on attracting, retaining, and supporting diverse people. Thanks to our progressive practices, team members of all abilities and backgrounds are encouraged to access the opportunities and supports they need to grow, thrive, and succeed. Our READI approach is rooted in our shared belief that championing equity and empowering ability starts by investing in our team members— and in our shared culture — so that we all feel included, safe, and confident at work every single day.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 8 months

Pay: $35.00 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Toronto, ON M3C 1V9