PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

• Volunteers co-facilitate Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI) Family Groups, accompanied by the EPI Family Worker staff
• All volunteers in this role must have a family member/friend who has lived experience of a mental health illness(s)
• These groups are based at CMHA-YRSS Aurora Location (15150 Yonge Street, Suite 201, Aurora, Ontario L4G 1M2) or virtually through Microsoft Teams
• Volunteers are responsible for their own transportation
• Volunteers are responsible for having their own internet and computer to use when the group runs virtually

COMMITMENT:

Volunteers in this role are required to:

• Adhere to CMHA's written volunteer policies and procedures
• Able to commit to a volunteer role for 6 months with a minimum of 3hrs. per week
• Attend relevant meetings as needed
• Follow the volunteer schedule as agreed with the staff lead
• Be aware of and follow all health and safety procedures
• Completed police background check with vulnerable sector screening.
• Inform the staff lead immediately of concerns regarding the welfare of clients
• Follow and practice Personal Health information Act (PHIPA) with respect to information with respect to information about clients, family members and others.
• Notify the staff lead, in advance, if you are not able to come as scheduled
• Regularly check the CMHA email account
• Submit volunteer hours on UltiPro on a bi-weekly basis

DUTIES:

• To assist in the preparation and running of the EPI Family Groups
• Attending planning and evaluation meetings as needed
• Support Staff lead as follows:
  • Keep discussion on track and on topic
  • Prioritize a member in crisis, summarize discussions, and end meetings on a positive note
  • Note the content (what is said) and process (how it is said, or is not said)
  • Encourage consensus on all group decisions made
  • Empower group members to problem-solve and resolve any conflicts
  • Ensure that all participants have the opportunity to speak, and be respectful if a member has chosen to pass
  • Ensure that the “Comfort Agreement” guidelines are followed and respected.
  • Stress confidentiality outside of the group. This builds trust to be able to share.
  • Identify commonalities between group members
• Submit the mandatory forms within the required time frame. (Group attendance, Volunteer hours, and possible expenses)

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent(s) of this role. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and activities required of the position.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Requirements:

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Experience working with vulnerable population(s) is an asset

General Training:

Completion of all training requirements in Rise, including, but not limited to:

• AODA, WHMIS, and Violence in the Workplace.
• PHIPA and Incident Reporting training
• UltiPro

Role Specific Training:

• Willing to shadow facilitators during group sessions

Knowledge

• Family member or friend with lived experience of mental illness(s) is an asset
• Knowledge of community resources
• Have a basic understanding of mental illness
• Some experience leading a group

Skills

• Ability to work with limited supervision following orientation
• Easily adapts to changing environments
• Good organizational & time management skills
• Good oral and written communication
• Knowledgeable and resourceful
• Respectful, compassionate
• Second language is an asset
• Willingness to assist clients & staff of program
• Works well with others and enjoys helping when needed
• Good interpersonal skills
• Professionalism

BENEFITS OF THE ROLE:

• Social and professional networking
• Gain knowledge, new skills, and valuable experience in a healthcare environment
• Letters of reference (after completing the minimum commitment and/or upon supervisor approval)

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Sitting at a desk or standing
• Communicating for long periods.

Disclaimer

In keeping with mental health reform, best practices, funding and direction this position may later require knowledge, skills, abilities and working conditions not noted here.