Peer Health Promoter

OCAD University acknowledges the ancestral territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Haudenosaunee, the Anishinaabeg and the Huron-Wendat, who are the original owners and custodians of the land on which _we live, work and create._

**_ Please note that internal job postings are open only to current permanent OPSEU Local 576 Unit 1 employees and temporary OPSEU Local 576 Unit 1 employees with one year of continuous service. _**

Reporting to the Project Lead, Peer-led Mental Health Program, the Peer Health Promoter is responsible for assisting in the co-design and implementation of the Student Wellness Centre’s (SWC) new Peer-led Mental Health Program at OCAD University (OCAD U). Working closely with the Project Lead and the SWC team, the Peer Health Promoter will participate in professional development trainings, co-design the Peer-led Mental Health Program, and co-lead mental health-focused events and outreach for students as part of this student-centred model of mental health service delivery at OCAD U.

The Peer-led Mental Health Program at SWC is an essential response to the impact of the pandemic on post-secondary students’ mental health. This peer-led initiative will engage students to co-create wellness programming that enhances mental health and builds community support among emerging creative artists and designers. Rooted in co-design and peer-to-peer support, the outcomes of this program will lay the foundation for scaling and strengthening community wellness at OCAD U.

As the Peer Health Promoter will offer guidance, empathy, and safer space to some of OCAD U’s most vulnerable students, this role carries a significant amount of responsibility and personal commitment. Peer Health Promoters must adhere to robust training and confidentiality requirements.

**Summary of Responsibilities**:

- This position will be supervised and guided by the Project Lead, Peer-led Mental Health Program
- Participate in mandatory in-person professional development training (dates will be chosen based on Peer Health Promoter availability) to develop skills in health promotion and student engagement with a focus on mental health
- Co-design and co-deliver regular in-person wellness sessions/trainings and health promotion events in various spaces on campus, particularly the Student Living Room located at SWC
- Participate in the development of promotional initiatives and events that increase students’ awareness and engagement with SWC and related services that support students’ mental health
- Respond sensitively, responsibly and calmly to students who present with concerns, providing navigation support and referrals to appropriate health information and services
- Provide peer-based mental health support to students for non-urgent concerns
- Assist in evaluation processes and gathering feedback from students participating in the program
- Participate in the revision of key SWC protocols from a student-centered lens
- Participate in biweekly meetings with the Project Lead throughout the period of employment and team meetings as required
- Perform other duties as assigned to further support SWC’s Peer-led Mental Health Program***

**Qualifications**:

- Active (currently enrolled) OCAD U student
- Enthusiastic about peer support as a central component of student wellness services at OCAD U
- Keen interest in health promotion with a focus on mental health and community support
- Interest in arts-based approaches to community engagement in healthcare and health education
- Excellent communication skills including speaking in front of a group, in-person engagement and outreach to students on campus, active listening, and responsive communication with co-workers
- Ability to engage other students from a non-judgmental place of curiosity and care while respecting confidentiality
- Familiarity with or willingness to learn about trauma-informed, anti-oppressive health promotion and outreach strategies
- Self awareness regarding one’s own lived experience of mental health and wellness, including self-care practices and tools to self-regulate
- Sound knowledge of, and commitment to, healthy and safe work practices
- Demonstrated commitment to the principles of equity and diversity and experience promoting a respectful work and learning environment for students, staff and faculty

**Compensation**:OPSEU Unit 1, Appendix A, Grade A1; $22.40 per hour

**Hours of Work**:Monday to Friday, up to 12 hours per week. The incumbent would ideally be available on Thursdays, in addition to one other day of the week.

**Number of Peer Health Promoter Positions**: Two (2). These are a temporary part-time contracts expected to begin on January 6, 2025, and continue until April 25, 2025.

Interested **internal permanent OPSEU Local 576 Unit 1 or **temporary OPSEU Local 576 Unit 1 employees with one year of continuous service** applicants** are invited to submit an updated *resume and cover letter (**PDF**), no later than *