Position Title

Peer Support Worker- Mental Health and Addiction

Position Summary:

The Mental Health and Addiction Peer Support Worker is responsible for providing provide peer support to people who have been released from jail; harm reduction education, overdose prevention information/tools, community accompaniment, connecting clients to community supports, informal counseling, follow-ups and advocacy. If appropriate and/or possible, may provide direct client services at the Maplehurst Correctional Institution to assist with release.

Specific Peer Support as it applies to this position: Someone with lived experience of incarceration and/or substance use, and/or the mental health.

Job Accountabilities

• Provide peer/case management support to a caseload of 15-20 clients.
  
• Produce and maintain logs, files, records or statistical information through the use of sufficient written and computer skills.
  
• Connect directly with people released from custody, their family members, and/or loved ones to provide immediate support, conduct brief needs assessments, advocacy and make referrals accordingly.
  
• Attend Reintegration Services site and the immediate vicinity of the jails Release and Property doors to approach potential service users and their loved ones.
• Attend community meetings and assist with data collection as needed.
• Present information about the agency and its programs as a representative of John Howard Society of Peel-Halton-Dufferin in public settings as directed.
• Assist with research and evaluation endeavors as directed.
• Actively participate in formal supervision sessions on a regular basis (i.e. every four weeks) and weekly bi-weekly team meetings as required.
• Work closely and collaborate with Probation and Parole Officers, community partners, and other stakeholders in a professional manner.
• Accompany service users to referral destinations, medical appointments etc.
• Ensure client confidentiality as per agency policy.
• Ensure ongoing and open communication with colleagues and supervisor to afford the best outcomes for clients.

Working Conditions and Environment

• Hybrid role of working in the community, office and from home.
• Commute between Peel and Halton to meet with clients in the community.
  
• Maintain workplace confidentiality and work within the policies and procedures as outlined, while respecting the mission, vision and principles of the agency
• 
  Conduct self with integrity and respect as it applies to the role as an employee of the agency
• 
  Maintain a current understanding of resources/services available in the community
• 
  Ability to comply with deadlines as directed by management
• 
  Demonstrate effective time management skills
• 
  Participate in relevant training opportunities in order to keep skills and outlook current/effective
• 
  Provide supervision to student placements and/or volunteers as requested by manager
• 
  Represent the agency at community events, public speaking engagements, etc. at the direction of management.

Qualifications:

• Formal education in relevant degree/diploma programs in Social Services/Human Services field required.
  
• Minimum of 2 years experience in the social service field required.
• Personal lived experience in the areas of homelessness and/or corrections and/or substance use and/or mental health.
  
• Knowledge of local community resources across the city of Peel-Halton-Dufferin, especially in the area housing/homelessness/mental health and addiction.
• Must display a non-judgmental and anti-oppressive attitude.
• Familiarity and ability to support harm reduction approaches for people who use substances.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are required to work in a one-on-one context and within a team environment.
• Strong personal/professional boundaries, crisis intervention, de-escalation and problem solving skills to intervene in conflict situations.
• Valid drivers license and vehicle required.