Identifying Information

Job Title: Peer Facilitator

Position Type: Casual

Hours: Variable (Courses/ events range in length from 1 hour to 12 hours)

Salary/Wage: $ 32.15 per hour
Report To : Manager Community Education and Training

Organization Summary

CMHA Edmonton is a non-profit organization that envisions mentally healthy people in caring communities. We work to increase awareness and understanding of mental health, mental illness, recovery, and suicide prevention through education. We support the resilience and recovery of people in distress including those affected by mental health challenges or suicide by providing crisis intervention; safe, long-term and affordable housing; peer connections; suicide grief and family support; advocacy and wayfinding; and providing opportunities to improve for our Community Members to improve their mental wellness.

Join us as we work towards making a difference in the lives of individuals, families, friends, and peers affected by mental health challenges and difficult situations which may include abuse, addiction, bullying and harassment, discrimination, family violence and trauma, grief and loss, isolation, suicide, and unsafe housing.

Community Education and Training Summary

The Community Education and Training department at CMHA Edmonton provides training programs for individuals, groups, and organizations, to develop and explore skills, strategies, and tips that contribute to overall mental wellness and individual recovery through a variety of programs and events involving Recovery College Edmonton, Stronger Communities, Peer College, and various Community Education events and projects with a focus on growing and maintaining relationships with community members and community partners, and the curiosity and commitment to continuing to grow, and co-develop new programs and materials within our Organization and the Community.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Manager, Community Education and Training, the Peer Facilitator provides facilitation for courses, events, and other activities which are open to individuals experiencing mental wellness concerns, mental illness and or addiction related challenges, as well as family, friends, peers, and caregivers.

The Peer Facilitator will also provide support to the Community Education and Training Team, with the co-development, co-delivery, and co-evaluation of new courses and projects.

Peer Facilitators co-facilitate in pairs, and together they will both demonstrate the values of CMHA programs and the competencies for peer-driven courses. These include hope, collaboration, personal growth, recovery planning, communication, creativity, critical thinking, problem solving, managing information, capacity building, and inclusivity.

Peer Facilitators use their own recovery stories to inspire hope in others and share their practical, first-hand knowledge of strategies for promoting mental wellness and available resources. Courses are offered weekdays, evenings, and weekends in multiple locations. Flexible availability is an asset.

Qualifications/Experience

• Successful completion of Recovery College training. Training is offered several times throughout the year. Successful applicants will be invited to attend the training at no charge.
• Lived experience with a mental health or addiction concern or lived experience in supporting a loved one or family member with a mental health or addiction concern is required for this position.
• Familiarity with the guiding principles of peer support as detailed by Peer Support Canada, a deep commitment to understanding recovery-oriented models, and a willingness to share experiences/stories as part of the peer role is required.
• Successful attainment and maintenance of Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is an asset.
• Experience working or volunteering within addiction or mental health organizations is an asset.
• Acceptable attainment and maintenance of a Police Information Check with a Vulnerable Sector Check and an Intervention Record Check.

Skills/Abilities

• Strong interpersonal, relationship building, verbal and written communication skills, and group conflict management.
• Ability to actively listen, ask motivational questions, reframe where needed, and focus on strengths of learners.
• Ability to set boundaries with learners and share appropriately in a professional setting.
• Demonstrated understanding of mental health; mental illness and recovery; information and referral services; and crisis intervention.
• Knowledge of and ability to access and utilize mental health resources and networks.