Peer Specialist

**Job Summary**:
The Comprehensive Integrated (CI) Housing Services Peer Specialist reporting to the CI Housing Manager, works as part of an interdisciplinary team providing psychosocial rehabilitation and person-centred support to individuals within the Comprehensive Integrated Housing Program. This program provides support to those with a history of long-term hospitalizations and/or who require comprehensive and integrated supports and services to assist with the successful transition to living in the community and/or minimizing the occurrence of hospitalizations. The CI Housing team member aims to build the capacity and strengths of individuals and works as an integral member in building a sense of community within the residential setting. This incumbent is responsible for participating in the comprehensive assessment of clients, coordinating the individualized treatment plan and required services and needs of assigned clients and their informal supports. Additionally, the incumbent is responsible for providing rehabilitation support to these individuals, including but not limited to assistance with instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), daytime activities, and sharing in the responsibility for addressing the needs of all clients providing in home support and supervision. Lived experience with serious mental illness allows the incumbent to provide formalized peer support including delivery of individual and group programming, community integration and illness management (e.g. WRAP). All services are provided in accordance with the mission and established protocols of the Agency and the principles of psychosocial rehabilitation.

**Minimum Qualifications**:

- University degree in a health-related discipline.
- One year’s paid or volunteer experience working with individuals who live with a serious mental illness, preferably in a community setting.
- Experience as a recipient of mental health services for serious mental illness.
- Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training an asset.
- Crisis Prevention & Intervention training an asset.
- French Language proficiency considered an asset.

**Knowledge, Skills and Abilities**:

- Ability to utilize own personal, practical experience, self-knowledge and first-hand insight to benefit clients and team members.
- Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of mental health symptoms, issues, psychotropic medications and associated side effects.
- Knowledge of issues related to addictions an asset.
- Knowledge of and ability to incorporate best practices of supportive housing, best practices for individuals living with a serious mental illness and/or who have complex needs.
- Demonstrated assessment and crisis intervention skills with broad knowledge of emergency mental health and crisis stabilization.
- Demonstrated advanced clinical reasoning and decision-making skills.
- Ability to effectively utilize community resources and supports to meet the needs of individuals.
- Ability to work under pressure within a changing environment.
- Working knowledge of the Health Care Consent Act, Mental Health Act, Personal Health Information Protection Act, and other relevant legislation.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills in order to effectively engage community services and individuals, increasing awareness of services.
- Well-developed problem-solving, prioritization and conflict resolution skills.
- Ability to work autonomously as well as collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
- Basic proficiency in computer skills; MS Office preferred.
- Must possess a valid Ontario Driver’s License and have regular access to a reliable vehicle and provide proof of $2,000,000 vehicle insurance. Incumbent may be required to transport clients.
- Required to provide a satisfactory criminal reference check (CRC) with Vulnerable Sector Screening prior to hire.

**Please Note**: AMHS-KFLA has a vaccination policy which requires proof of all required doses of a COVID-19 vaccine approved for use in Canada or proof of medical exemption, consistent with the criteria outlined in the policy prior to their employment. A copy of the policy can be made available upon request.

**Job Types**: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 6 months

**Salary**: $29.41-$34.16 per hour

**Benefits**:

- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Employee assistance program
- On-site parking
- Paid time off

Schedule:

- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Evening shift
- Monday to Friday
- Weekend availability

Supplemental pay types:

- Overtime pay

Work Location: One location