Peer Navigator

At Grand River Hospital we are building a world class health care system supporting healthier lives for the communities we serve. We value people above all else and the experiences of our patients and their families, our team members, and our partners are at the very top of our agenda.

Through our values of CARE; TRUST AND BE TRUSTWORTHY; COURAGE TO START, HEART TO FINISH and WELCOME ONE TO WELCOME ALL we leverage the collective talents and strengths of our GRH team, our community, and our partners to innovate and accelerate the transformation of health care delivery.

We currently have an opportunity for a part-time Peer Navigator in the Assertive Community Treatment Team.

Hours of Work: Monday - Friday, Evenings and may include some weekends

**How Peer Navigator support our teams at Grand River Hospital**:
Grand River Hospital Mental Health and Addictions Program have undergone an exciting expansion and redesign of services. The Specialized Mental Health Program and Adult Acute Program is a new program offering both in-patient and out patients services for individuals experiencing a severe and persistent mental illness. The programs and services offer a person centered approach to care and are guided by recovery principles. The overarching goal of care is to instill hope and foster recovery.

The Peer Navigator is an individual with the lived experience of having used mental health and/or addiction services. This role has two areas of focus:
(1) To assist individuals in the navigation of mental health and/or addiction services.

For many accessing services within the Mental Health and Addiction system can be overwhelming and a real challenge. Knowledge and an understanding of the system and its services can alleviate or reduce the stress and anxiety experienced by many. This role will assist the individual in navigating: hospital process - what to expect and resource information - what roles hospital services provide and what support can be accessed in the community upon departure.

(2) To provide peer support.

A key component of peer support is that people begin to feel they are no longer alone in their journey. Research has demonstrated that peer support not only is a key element of recovery, but enables the recovery process to occur. Opportunity to talk and connect with someone who has been in similar circumstances creates a sense of belonging and understanding. We believe that peer support and professional service providers can provide complementary support that facilitates recovery. Peer support will focus on: discussion of recovery values and principles, focus on strengths and wellness, introduction to Recovery Support Plan, and support in communicating with others (e.g., family, companion, care provider, clinical staff).

This position will not provide medical advice, medical assistance, or therapeutic counseling.

This position offers an exciting opportunity for a dynamic individual to contribute to the development of the role as well as establish connections with other peer Support in our community.

**At Grand River Hospital, the Peer Navigator brings the following**:

- Personal experience with the mental health system and identify as someone who experiences a mental health issue
- Bachelor’s degree or college diploma in a social science or health-related discipline or equivalent experience
- Several years of experience working in a mental health setting or related social service
- Experience in Peer Support and Self Help Best practices
- Excellent written/oral communication and strong organizational skills
- Knowledge of resources throughout Waterloo Region and Wellington County
- Understanding of the values of self help and the philosophy of recovery
- Time management and organizational skill
- Ability to work with people of diverse cultural, religious, racial, educational, and socio-economic backgrounds;
- Ability to maintain personal boundaries;
- Ability to adapt and assimilate new information as resources, laws, and policies evolve

Personal Characteristics:

- Demonstrated belief in the philosophy of recovery values and principles
- Ability to be self motivated
- Ability to remain calm and professional during stressful events
- Good attendance record

**At Grand River Hospital we support our Team Members with**:

- A thorough onboarding and orientation program
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
- Access to our Ongoing Education Fund
- Career mentorship
- Wellness programs**APPLICATIONS WILL BE RECEIVED UNTIL THE POSTING IS CLOSED.**

Grand River Hospital is committed to fair and equitable employment and in our recruitment and selection practices. We strongly believe in inclusion and diversity within our organization, and welcome all applicants including, but not limited to: racialized communities, all religions and ethnicities, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, Indigenous people, and all others who may contribute to the further diversification of our Hospit