Peer Support Worker

Position: Peer Support Worker

Department: Inpatient Mental Health

Position Status: Permanent Part-time

Union: OPSEU 373

Number of Positions: 1

Location: On site

Language: English

The PRHC Difference:

Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) is a regional hospital delivering acute healthcare to a rapidly growing population of more than 300,000 in Peterborough and the surrounding communities, including the First Nations of Curve Lake, Hiawatha and Alderville.

With an annual budget of nearly $390 million, and a proud local history extending back over a century, PRHC has nearly 500 inpatient beds and offers a wide range of services, including specialized programs in renal, stroke, cardiac, cancer care, vascular surgery and mental health & addictions.

PRHC is located in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada a 90-minute drive north-east of Toronto. We are the region's largest employer with more than 3,100 staff, 450 physicians with privileges, and a core group of 250 volunteers

As a member of the PRHC team, you will be part of an exceptional working environment – a forum to share knowledge, to lead and learn, to develop talents, relationships and careers, and a culture that recognizes and celebrates the efforts and achievements of its people.

PRHC is proud to be recognized as one of the top 20 employers nationwide in the healthcare and social services category, and 199 overall among 300 Canadian employers across all sectors, on the Canada's Best Employers list released by Forbes in 2025.

Top Benefits and Perks:

• Vacation and Benefits
• Pension program with matching employer contribution
• Health and Wellness programs (gym and yoga memberships, travel discounts, etc.)
• Learning fund for educational development

HOURS OF WORK:

The stated hours of work are approximate as schedules are subject to change with the operational needs of the Health Centre. Changes made to hours of work will follow the terms of the applicable collective agreement, company policy and/or legislation.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

The individual will be required to work on the D1 Inpatient Mental Health units (PASU/PICU) at Peterborough Regional Health Centre to support patient-centered care to individuals with complex mental health and addictions issues. The individual will be required to work part time hours evening and weekends during weekdays and weekends.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING:

• Diploma or degree from an accredited College or University in the Human Services field.
• Minimum three years directly related working experience with hospital or community based/psychiatry department.
• Must have Lived Experience with mental illness, which includes being a recipient of mental health services.
• Must have experience facilitating peer support groups, as well as individual peer support, as part of an inter-disciplinary team.
• Current BCLS
• Other combinations of academic training and experience will be considered.
• Any mental health certificates are an asset

WHO YOU ARE:

• Possesses and continually acquires knowledge relevant to the professional service they provide through critical thinking.
• Acquires and maintains knowledge of hospital policies and procedures.
• Shares knowledge and expertise with clients/families and other professionals through a variety of teaching strategies.
• Participates in ongoing learning and practice development opportunities
• Knowledge of mental health, substance use disorder, social determinants of health, and trauma.
• Knowledge of the principles of life skills training, focused problem solving, and intervention strategies.
• Demonstrated reliability (attendance and punctuality), communication skills and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as a team member.
• Must demonstrate a strong professional manner in dealing with clients, staff, families, and the public while being open, friendly, approachable, accepting and understanding.
• High-energy, strong attention to detail and confidentiality.
• Ability to work well under pressure.
• Must possess well-developed communication, organizational and coordination skills.
• Demonstrated group facilitation skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to values of Inclusion, Compassion, Innovation, Teamwork and Joy.
• Proven good attendance record with capability of maintaining this same standard
• Understanding of the Mental Health Act, PHIPA, and principles of client centred care delivery
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care.
• Functional knowledge of crisis intervention and assessment techniques .

OUR COMMITMENT:

At PRHC, we take great pride in maintaining an inclusive culture of respect and a diverse workforce that reflects the community we serve. We do this because we understand that bringing different perspectives and backgrounds to the fulfillment of our mission, vision and values makes us better.

We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from members of all equity-deserving communities, including those who identify as Indigenous, black, racialized, women, people with disabilities and people with diverse gender identities, expressions, and sexual orientations. Even if your past experience doesn't quite align with every qualification on this position, we still encourage you to apply as you may be the right candidate for another role within our organization.

Peterborough Regional Health Centre is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and accessible environment that is in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act ('AODA'). Should you require accommodation through the recruitment and selection process, please notify us by indicating this on your application form and upon initial contact by our recruitment team. This will ensure that we can tailor the recruitment process to meet your accommodation needs.

Thank you for your interest in the opportunity at PRHC. If you are selected to move forward in the recruitment process, you will be contacted by a member of the Talent Acquisition team.