Position: Community Peer Support Worker

Location: Moncton, On-site. 1 year Contract Full-Time

About CMHA of NB

The Canadian Mental Health Association of New Brunswick Inc. (CMHA of NB) is part of a nationwide, voluntary organization that that envisions a country where mental health is a universal human right. CMHA of NB work is guided by the mission of ensuring that all people in New Brunswick experience good mental health and well-being.

CMHA of NB is STEADFAST and has long fought to improve the state of mental health in New Brunswick, yet acknowledges that the work is ongoing and remains committed to this important task. CMHA of NB is INCLUSIVE and strives for all people in New Brunswick to see themselves represented and served by CMHA of NB. The organization values the voice of those who have experienced mental illness and recognize a diverse range of mental health approaches.

CMHA of NB is PROACTIVE, with leaders who value action over mere talk, and is committed to innovation and forward-thinking to continually address and improve mental health in New Brunswick. Furthermore, CMHA of NB is COMPASSIONATE, approaching its mission with empathy, care, love, and kindness.

CMHA of NB, being COLLABORATIVE, mobilizes and marshals resources, partners, and people to come together to realize necessary changes in our communities and in the mental health system in New Brunswick. CMHA of NB provides a wide range of services and supports to people who are experiencing mental illness, their families, friends, and the public. One of the core goals of these services is to help people with mental illness develop the personal tools to lead meaningful and productive lives.

Position Summary :

The goal of Peer Support programs of Canadian Mental Health Association of New Brunswick (CMHA of NB) is to help people with addiction and mental illness to receive emotional and practical support from someone who has lived through a similar experience, and is trained to support others, provide hope, serve as a role model, provide inspiration, and promote recovery. CMHA of NB's Peer Support Program includes Peer Support Consultants who oversee the Certified Peer Support Worker Training, First Responder Peer Supporter Training, Community Peer Supporter Training, Campus Peer Support, Youth Peer Support Training, as well as areas of practice including the New Brunswick College of Well-Being, and Psychological Health and Safety Standards. CMHA of NB's Peer Support Consultants will oversee the new positions of Community Peer Support Worker in communities across New Brunswick.

The Community Peer Support Worker will function as part of the Peer Support team to provide direct service delivery in community to peers, offering advocacy, non-clinical peer support interventions (one-on-one and group format), peer support outreach activities including education and liaison work, ongoing professional development, operational administrative and documentation tasks, and support tasks related to the overall execution of Peer Support initiatives for the province of New Brunswick by CMHA of NB.

This is a non-clinical role. A Peer Support Worker is a trained individual who has their own lived experience who provides support to peers, empowering them to make choices related to their life based on self-determination.

Responsibilities :

Peer Support Interventions (approximately 30%)

• Provide non-clinical one-on-one and group services (mutual support or structured peer interventions) for peers based on operational guidelines and frameworks in alignment with the Canadian Mental Health Association of New Brunswick's Specialized Peer Support Training Program.
• Use the five stages of the recovery process framework to support peers in identifying their current state, obstacles they may encounter, and support them as they navigate the stages using appropriate peer intervention tools and leading by example.
• Support peers in developing and achieving their self-defined recovery goals.
• Using a strengths-based approach, assist peers in self-identifying strengths and leveraging those strengths in relation to their recovery process.
• Utilize Specialized Peer Intervention Skills including but not limited to; effective use of self-disclosure skills, prompting reflective questions and discussions on recovery, supporting peers in confronting fears, contributing to the development of recovery plans, helping peers identify recovery strategies, assisting peers in accessing services that meet their recovery needs, and informing peers community-based support services.
• Develop, promote, and facilitate group programs and activities designed to empower clients to learn skills, knowledge, and growth through their recovery process, as well as promote community integration and the development of informal social support.

Peer Support Outreach (approximately 20%)

• Work collaboratively with internal partners as appropriate (Peer Support Consultants, other Peer Support Workers, other CMHA of NB staff, etc.)
• Work collaboratively with external partners as appropriate (Horizon / Vitalité, in-patient units, governmental departments, community organizations, etc.)
• Provide education and awareness to partners, organizations, and the community around the role of Peer Support Workers and distinct character of the work and approach.
• Participate in case coordination, liaison, and service planning with other service providers in collaboration with the peer as requested.
• Identify and facilitate referrals as necessary to community resources.
• Develop and maintain community partner relationships to facilitate referrals and connections to the services those organizations provide in community.
• Participate in community outreach activities through the development of collaborative partnerships and through presentations, education and visits to community agencies and services as appropriate.

Peer Support Advocacy (approximately 15%)

• Serve as a recovery ally and role model, inspiring hope for peers and loved ones that recovery is possible.
• Advocate both systemically and individually for the recognition of peer support and recovery values: Hope, Self-Determination, Empowerment, Meaningful Choice and Harm Reduction, Diversity & Inclusion, Shared Common Experiences, Non-Clinical Approach, Shared Accountability and Shared Responsibility.
• Promote positive, supportive, and inclusive attitudes towards people who have experienced mental health or dependency-based issues through support, activities, and advocacy.
• Advocate for the rights and interests of peers (with their consent), and help peers become more empowered and able to acquire the necessary skills to self-advocate.

Documentation and Reporting (approximately 15%)

• Document and maintain peer records according to CMHA of NB policies, Community Peer Support guidelines and organizational practices with a high degree of accuracy and timeliness.
• Meet or exceed all CMHA of NB policies, Community Peer Support guidelines and organizational practices regarding confidentiality and data stewardship.
• Report program-related statistical data with a high degree of accuracy and timeliness.
• Complete administrative tasks including timesheets, expense reports, time-away requests, etc. according to CMHA of NB policies, Community Peer Support guidelines and organizational practices.
• Complete incident reports and other documentation when required according to CMHA of NB policies, Community Peer Support guidelines and organizational practices with a high degree of accuracy and timeliness.

Professional Development (approximately 10%)

• Stay current on relevant legislation and best practices, current research, policies, and procedures.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and mandatory trainings activities, seminars, or certifications.
• Become active in professional communities or associations as they become available such as professional associations or communities of practice.
• Attend various conferences and access professional development opportunities as funding allows.

Other (approximately 10%)

• Follow and uphold CMHA of NB policies, operational procedures, peer support values, and ethical conduct.
• Participation in organizational or program level quality improvement activities as required.
• Participation in organizational practices, collaborations, and opportunities.
• Support activities and projects which enhance the overall profile and functioning of CMHA of NB Peer Support Department.

Qualifications:

• Preference will be given to candidates with Post secondary studies or coursework in the fields related to Psychology, Addictions, Sociology, etc. A combination of work experience and education will be considered.
• Certificates of Certified Peer Support Training Program of New Brunswick is required. • Proficiency in both English and French languages is mandatory.
• A new Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check is mandatory. • Mental health, addictions or suicide awareness / intervention trainings are asset (ASIST, Changing Minds, NVCI, Mental Health First Aid, etc.).
• A valid Work Permit is mandatory for temporary residents.
• Residency in New Brunswick (NB) or willingness to relocate is mandatory.

Core Competencies :

• Problem-solving
• Communication
• Rapport/Relationship Building
• Teamwork
• Critical Thinking
• Reasoning and decision making
• Attention to Detail
• Flexibility & Adaptability
• Time Management & Priority Setting, Multitasking
• Planning and organizing
• Self-Awareness & Confidence
• Initiative & Commitment
• Continuous Learning & Development
• Demeanor
• Hope

Knowledge, Abilities & Skills:

• Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft 365 is required.
• Cell phone literate with proficiency and working knowledge of android or apple platforms and Microsoft 0365 applications.
• Knowledge of the formal NB mental health system, community organizations, and resources, including CMHA of NB programs and services, is an asset.
• Knowledge of regional community social service organizations and resources is an asset.
• Knowledge of provincial social service organizations and resources is an asset.
• Establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships (stakeholders, partners, coworkers, peers, etc.)
• Analytical thinking (observing, researching, analyzing, problem solving, communication of information and possible solutions)
• Excellent communication skills, including speaking, listening, and written communication.
• Effective written comprehension and expression
• Professional, compassionate, and non-judgmental approach to communication.
• Empathy towards individuals with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.
• Ability to work effectively in various settings and environments, both one-on-one and in group settings.
• Strong interpersonal skills, flexibility, and effectiveness at individual, program, and system levels.
• Highly motivated and passionate about mental health and anti-oppressive work.
• Openness to innovation and creative problem-solving.
• Conscientiousness, loyalty, self-discipline, and commitment to organizational goals, policies, and rules.
• Passion, personal alignment, and commitment to the mission, vision, and values of CMHA of NB.
• Passion, personal alignment, and commitment to the Core Values of Peer Support.
• Agreeableness, willingness to work with others, consideration, and genuine concern for others' well-being.
• Ability to navigate to locations in community / service region.
• A calm and non-reactive nature, ability to handle conflict or crisis with a steady and responsible approach.
• Knowledge/familiarity with the mental health, addiction, and social service systems is an asset.
• Group planning, coordination, facilitation skills or presentation skills are asset.
• Experience using client management software or platforms is an asset.

Working Conditions:

• The workweek is 32 hours.
• Flexible work schedules may be required to meet operational requirements.
• Travel within the province and the service region is necessary.
• Work in various settings or in partnership with other health agencies is expected.
• This position will report directly to the Community Peers Support Team Lead.

How To Apply:

• Please submit your resume and cover letter in one PDF file to [email protected].
• CMHA of NB is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the New Brunswickers we serve. As an equal opportunity employer, we actively support workplace equity for all persons, and are committed to including and reflecting the population we serve. CMHA of NB encourages applicants to identify as belonging to one of the designated groups of the Employment Equity Act. Preference shall be given to those who demonstrate they are among the most qualified as stated above. Employment Equity Act

We thank all those who apply; however , only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.