Peer Support Worker, Mental Health

Humber River Health. Lighting New Ways In Healthcare.

Since opening our doors in 2015 as North America's first fully digital hospital, we remain unwavering in our belief that we can change the hospital where we work, the community where we live, and the world of healthcare beyond our borders. Serving a community of 850,000 residents in North West Toronto, Equity Inclusivity and active participation in the North West Toronto Ontario Health Team are key initiatives important to our Team.  At Humber River Health, we use a custom combination of technology and clinical expertise to rebuild elements of care. We make technology work for staff and physicians; giving them more time to spend with patients, to eliminate inefficiencies, and to reduce the chance of errors. Humber River Health is formally affiliated with both the University of Toronto and Queen's University and committed to becoming a community academic hospital. Clinical Excellence, Optimizing Care through Technology and Community Connection frame our Research Strategy.    

At Humber River Health, we're not hoping for a renaissance, we are making it happen. As part of our dynamic team, you can lead the way, as we continue our journey towards high reliability care

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Peer Support Worker to join our Mental Health and Addictions Program. 

Reporting to the Clinical Manager, the Peer Support Worker will work as a member of the multi-disciplinary team to provide support to patients admitted to the mental health and addictions inpatient program. The Peer Support Worker works with patients in individual and group settings to facilitate and support recovery for adults facing mental health/addiction challenges through empowerment, compassion, empathy and mutual understanding. The Peer Support Worker has gone through the process of their own recovery, and they will use this experience to assist others on their recovery journey.

Employment Status: Permanent Part Time
Hours of Work: Available for rotating shifts between 10:00 am - 6:00 pm and/or 12:00-8:00 pm on Tuesday to Friday - subject to change as per operational needs and Article HRH 2 – Management Rights
Labour Group: OPSEU 590
Reporting Relationship: Manager, Adult Outpatient Mental Health & Addiction Program – Complex Care & Addictions Division
Hourly Rate: $28.41-$34.98

Responsibilities:

• Supporting peers and family members within the mental health and addictions program
• Advocating on behalf of individuals and participating in service resolution
• Building and maintaining linkages to service providers throughout Northwest Toronto and Region
• Assisting with intake and assessments and safety plans
• Assisting in navigating mental health and addictions services
• Providing support to complete referrals, accompany patients to appointments as needed
• Completing necessary documentation according to hospital guidelines
• Participating in assigned seminars, training and education sessions and in regional Peer Mentor advocacy groups and best practice development
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Ontario Secondary School diploma or equivalent is required.
• Must have personal lived experience within the Addictions and/or Mental Health system
• Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) Level One and WRAP Level Two required, or willingness to obtain
• Mental Health First Aid required, or willingness to obtain
• Knowledge of psychosocial rehabilitation and Recovery Oriented Practices
• Proven confidence to advocate with an open mind of lived experience, within the addiction and mental health system to reduce stigma
• Active in your own recovery process, self- awareness, ability to draw on personal experiences to engage, validate and role model when appropriate
• Working knowledge of Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), and Ontario Works (OW)
• Demonstrated ability to work within a team environment and independently
• Ability to adapt to various work environments and able to flex work hours to meet program, employer and client demands
• Excellent attendance and discipline free record required.
• An understanding of equity, diversity, and inclusion principles as they relate to health practices is an asset. Humber River Health values lived and learned experiences in addressing systemic barriers and advancing inclusive practices.

Why choose Humber River Health?

At Humber River Health, our staff, physicians, and volunteers are lighting new ways in healthcare. We are proud to be recognized as a part of Greater Toronto's Top Employers by Mediacorp Canada Inc. We support employees by providing evidence-based leadership and cultivating a culture that consistently wows with our unwavering commitment to Staff, Physician and Volunteer engagement. We are a member of the Toronto Academic Health Science Network (TAHSN) and are deeply involved in research and academic collaboration. We are dedicated to high-quality patient care and demonstrate our values of compassion, professionalism, and respect.

Humber River Health is committed to creating an inclusive, equitable and accessible workplace that reflects the diversity of our communities. Guided by our strategic direction to embed equity, diversity and inclusion in everything we do – and to address systemic barriers – we foster a culture where everyone feels respected, valued and empowered to contribute.

We welcome applications from individuals of all equity-deserving groups, including Indigenous peoples, racialized communities, persons living with disabilities, women, 2SLGBTQ+ individuals and seniors. We recognize that diverse identities and perspectives strengthen our ability to deliver safe, innovative and compassionate care.

As an equal opportunity employer, Humber River Health complies with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, family status, disability, or any other protected ground.

Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process and employment. Please contact our recruitment team to discuss your needs confidentially.

This position is being posted in response to an existing vacancy at Humber River Health.