Peer Support Worker

**Job Title**:Peer Support Worker - EPI

**Job Posting#** PSW-EPI-041/2025-26

**Date Posted**:Oct 31, 2025

**Reports to**:Supervisors for Addictions Program

**Position Type**:Full-Time Contract (15 Weeks)

**Date Closed**:Nov 13, 2025

**About Organization**:
Punjabi Community Health Services (PCHS) is a pioneer, community-based, not-for-profit charitable organization that has been serving diverse populations for over 35 years. PCHS provides a wide range of culturally responsive services in the areas of addictions, mental health, geriatric care, health promotion, domestic violence, parenting, settlement, and support for women, children, and youth. PCHS is widely recognized for its innovative Integrated Holistic Service Delivery Model and has contributed to several community-based research studies. The organization is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) International and Imagine Canada, reflecting its commitment to quality and accountability. PCHS is also a 2SLGBTQ-sensitive organization, committed to equity, inclusion, and culturally appropriate care.

**About Position**:
This position will work in partnership with CAMH, CMHA Peel, and SHIP to build on the existing Early Psychosis Intervention program. This program will increase the system’s ability to intervene through timely, high quality, integrated, person directed, culturally appropriate counselling and supportive services. The Case Manager will provide culturally and linguistically appropriate services to individuals and their significant others. Services include individualized assessment, pertaining to the provision of specialized treatment and support services to clients experiencing a first episode in psychosis, their families and/or their significant others.

**Qualification, Experience and Skills**:

- University Degree and/or Community College Diploma in social services or a health services field
- Preferred 2 years of experience providing case management to adults with serious mental illness
- Registration with respective regulatory body or eligibility to get registered is preferred
- Knowledge of Recovery Model
- Knowledge of community resources and services, social and environmental determinants of health and evidence informed practices in working with youth/adolescent for their mental health
- Proven knowledge and skills in assessment, care plan development, implementation and case management
- Familiarity with Client Record Management System (CRMS) and Ontario Common Assessment of Need (OCAN) is an asset
- Proficiency in a South Asian languages (Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu) would be an asset
- Strong interpersonal skills, be able to work independently and within a team
- Ability to communicate effectively (written and verbal), including presentation skills
- Excellent working skills of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, internet and outlook
- Familiarity with Commission of Accreditation Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) International standards is an asset
- Familiarity with Cloud technology and Share-Point is an asset

**Requirements**:

- A satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Screening (Criminal Record Check) is mandatory.
- A valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle with current insurance coverage.
- Fluency in South Asian languages such as Punjabi, Hindi, and Urdu.
- Current certification in CPR and First Aid
- Level C with AED.
- Proof of vaccination (including COVID-19 and others) is encouraged.

**Duties and Responsibilities**:

- Build supportive, trust-based relationships with clients and their families, grounded in mutual respect and shared lived experience.
- Clearly explain the role of a Peer Support Worker EPI within the broader program context, and respond to client questions or concerns.
- Support clients in identifying their strengths, needs, and personal goals, and collaborate in developing recovery-focused care plans.
- Provide guidance and psychoeducation to clients and families on recovery principles and ways to foster supportive environments.
- Encourage self-reflection and self-determination by helping clients identify inner strengths and explore meaningful life changes.
- Promote client safety, wellness, and empowerment through informed choices and goal setting.
- Encourage and support clients to advocate for themselves in clinical and community settings.
- Facilitate or co-facilitate peer-led support groups and assist clients in creating individualized recovery plans.
- Support clients in identifying and pursuing educational and vocational goals that align with their recovery journey.
- Provide ongoing peer-based support, including life skills coaching, pre-employment readiness, and referrals to community services.
- Advocate on behalf of clients and liaise with external agencies to connect clients with appropriate resources and supports.
- Offer education and peer-based insight around substance use and recovery to clients, families, and other support networks.
- Assis