Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario Peer Support

JOB SUMMARY:

The Peer Support Worker will work as a member of a diverse interdisciplinary Youth Wellness Team to support youth experiencing mental health, substance use or other challenges.

As a Peer Support Worker, you will utilize your lived/living experience of mental health and/or substance use to support youth accessing the Hub to determine their unique goals and service needs. In this role, you will provide education about navigating mental health and substance use challenges as well as where to find resources in the community to address those concerns.

As part of the Youth Wellness Team, the Peer Support Worker will contribute to program development and outreach activities related to YWHO's Clinical Services, Skills & Well-being Activities and Community Support Services.  The Peer Support Worker will be responsible for co-creating a welcoming space for youth who access Hub services, attending drop-in activities, as well as one-on-one mentorship.

POSITION DUTIES: 

• Engage youth and create a welcoming environment for youth accessing Hub services.
• Connect with clients on an individual basis and also as a group facilitator.
• Support youth with the completion of standardized measures to help improve youth outcomes (focus on measurement-based care).
• Facilitate social and recreational activities, both within the Hub and (when relevant) community-based outings (e.g. gyms, community centres, land based programming).
• Provide individual mentorship and coaching to youth to navigate mental health system.
• Assist in the planning, outreach and co-facilitation of skills activities and drop-in programming.
• Complete documentation of client interactions and timely completion of data entry, case notes and other electronic records as required.
• Attend team meetings as required and contribute to integrated care planning for youth.
• Participate in community network meetings and support outreach.
• Provide virtual-based (online, phone) and in-person service.
• Participate in YWHO Provincial Community of Practice for Peer Support Worker role. Work from a harm reduction and culturally responsive approach.
• Other duties as assigned.

 TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

• Respect for, sensitivity towards as well as knowledge and understanding of Anishnawbek culture, traditions, and the Seven Grandfather Teachings.
• Must be able to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Is subject to six months' probation.
• Clear Criminal Records Check (CPIC) that is valid within 6 months.
• Valid driver's license and vehicle for on-the-job use.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Lived/living experience as a young person with mental health and/or substance use challenges, which may include experience as a recipient of mental health and/or substance use services, is required.
• Knowledge of community resources and navigating the youth mental health and substance use system.
• Demonstrated ability to relate to young people accessing services from a peer perspective and can work within an interdisciplinary health care team.
• Strong self-awareness, self-care practices and can establish and maintain professional relationships with youth accessing peer services.
• Excellent organizational, time management, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in supporting safe and meaningful drop-in participation and being open to diverse ways of thinking about, understanding and articulating issues related to mental health and substance use is an asset.
• A high degree of familiarity with MS Office and e-mail, as well as the willingness to learn new computer programs are required; your role will include documentation on the computer.
• We strongly encourage applications from First Nations, Métis, Inuit, Black, and other racialized people who are reflective of intersectional experiences (i.e., 2SLGBTQ+, neurodevelopmental differences, living with a disability, etc.).
• Knowledge of approaches that promote health equity, including anti-oppressive and anti-racist practice, 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion, community engagement, cultural safety, trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and human rights and accessibility frameworks.
• Formalized peer support work experience and experience supporting/connecting with diverse youth is an asset.
• Participation in training on Peer Support/Recovery, knowledge of Wellness Recovery Action Planning and experience belonging to groups, agencies or organizations related to peer support would be an asset.
• Experience facilitating groups or other consultations with a broad range of participants is an asset.
• Bilingualism or the ability to speak a second language is considered an asset. 

Qualified Candidates are invited to submit their coverletter, resume and three work related References.

By: Until Filled.

We thank all applicants for their interest: however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.