Peer Support Worker Full-time

**Organization Overview**:
The John Howard Society of York Region (JHSYR) is a nonprofit, charitable organization committed to serving residents of York Region. We support individuals involved in any stage of the criminal justice system, as well as their families, by offering programs that foster rehabilitation, reintegration, and community support.

**Position Overview**:
The function of this position is for a peer support worker with lived experience of substance use to provide support to adult individuals who are currently using substances. Activities of this role may include, but are not limited to harm reduction education, overdose prevention information and tools, community accompaniment, connecting clients to community supports, and informal counselling, follow-up and advocacy.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Connect directly with clients to provide immediate support and conduct intake/needs assessments
- Facilitate client access to services, programs, and emergency supports
- Develop individualized harm reduction plans
- Assist with system navigation of government and community programs
- Identify and provide referrals to local and culturally appropriate agencies, programs, supports, and services
- Accompany clients to probation, court, or counselling appointments, where necessary and permitted
- Liaise and collaborate with probation and parole officers, community partners, and stakeholders in a professional manner
- Complete required program reports, data collection, and intake statistics
- Assist with research and evaluation endeavours as directed
- Maintain and build partnerships with community agencies and attend community meetings as needed
- Maintain timely, accurate written and electronic data information, reporting and correspondence that will be
- Ensure client confidentiality as per agency policy
- Participate in outreach activities, including visiting encampments and other community locations with partner organizations.
- Engage with clients in various community settings to provide peer support, resources, and referrals.
- Exercise a flexible, non-judgmental, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive approach to people and work
- Adhere to the directives and program standards of John Howard Society of York Region
- Engage in continuous learning as directed by the Program Manager
- Attend and participate in supervision, staff, and team meetings
- Perform other duties or tasks as directed by the Program Manager
- Volunteer for organization events as needed such as Bingo and other community events as directed by the Program Manager.
- Accommodate evening and weekend hours

**Qualifications**:

- Post-secondary education in a related field (e.g., Social Work, Criminology, Addictions and Mental Health), or a combination of relevant education and experience.
- Demonstrated experience in peer recruitment, training, and supervision.
- Lived experience with, substance use, criminal justice, welfare, mental health would be considered assets.
- Membership with a professional college/registering body is an asset.
- Willingness and ability to conduct outreach in diverse environments, including encampments and other community settings.
- Proficient in group facilitation and providing direct client care.
- Strong relationship-building skills and a professional demeanor.
- Excellent interpersonal, active listening, and empathetic communication skills.
- Experience with criminal justice-involved individuals and their families, with a strong understanding of barriers and risk factors.
- Ability to maintain relationships with community agencies and stakeholders.
- Strong organizational and administrative skills.
- Knowledge of community resources within York Region and Simcoe and the ability to identify new resources as necessary.
- Knowledge of the criminal justice system and its mechanisms, as well as criminogenic risks faced by involved individuals.
- Client-centered and trauma-informed approach to work.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and online meeting platforms.
- Ability to work with diverse populations and an awareness of systemic barriers and resources in York Region.
- Proficiency in one or more languages other than English would be considered assets.
- Regular travel within York and Simcoe Regions is required; therefore, a valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle are mandatory.

**Additional Information**:
JHSYR is committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the York Region community. Our policies and programs are designed to promote inclusion and equity. We provide accommodation for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodation, please let us know.

**How to Apply**: