Why join CMHA Peel Dufferin?

Support your community. Advance your career. Fulfill your purpose

Joining the Canadian Mental Health Association – Peel Dufferin Branch means you'll be part of something meaningful. For starters, we're honored to have received the Canadian Non-Profit Employer of Choice Award for our efforts to help people live better. Providing support and services to those who live with mental illness and addictions, we're committed to increasing awareness and addressing the stigma surrounding mental health. That's why we've made it a priority to create a diverse organization that represents the communities we serve – and the people we help.

What we offer

As a community-based agency, we're dedicated to the mental, physical, and social health of everyone – including our team members. That's why we're proud to offer a total rewards package that helps our team members balance their professional and home life. You'll also be empowered to keep learning new skills and reaching your goals – from developing a career growth plan to participating in training sessions.

In addition to competitive benefits like Employee Family Assistance Plan and extended health and dental benefits, we offer our team members some unique perks that really stand out:

• 4 weeks accrued vacation (to start)
• Up to 18 paid personal days accrued per year, plus 2 flexible days each year
• HOOPP Pension Plan
• Ongoing professional development plus $250 annual funding for continuing education and certifications
• $250 annual allowance to invest in achieving your personal wellness goals
• Mileage reimbursement and car detailing for work-related travel
• Participation in organizational pay for performance incentive program

We are looking for a full-time Peer Support Worker to join our team!

The Peer Support Worker will support both the Mental Health and Justice Services (MHJS) and Housing and Support Programs (HASP).

This role will assist in the reintegration/integration of recently released individuals from custody into their home community or community of choice. Peer Support acknowledges the value of personal lived experience as a demonstration of hope, recovery and ongoing personal growth and transformation.

Status: Full-Time permanent, 37.5 hours per week

Base Salary: $53,808 - $64,421 annually (Candidate qualifications will be considered when determining the starting salary)

Location: 314-7700 Hurontario St., Brampton ON. Although we operate within a hybrid workplace model, staff are required to have on-site and/or community presence as per program and client needs

What you will do

• Establish supportive relationships with a case load of clients and their support systems who are involved with the Release from Custody Services and the Housing program
• Provide release from custody planning and support to individuals incarcerated at a correctional institution or in custody in court and being released into the Peel region
• In collaboration with institutional staff, court personnel to develop supportive discharge planning services and communicate the release plan to service providers in the clients' community
• Establish and maintain working relationships with Institutional Social Workers, Probation Officers, Consulting Psychiatrists, Institutional Personnel, community agencies and schedule 1 hospitals
• Meet with clients in the community or their homes on a short term basis (6 – 12 months)
• Explain to the client the Peer Support Worker's role as it relates to the larger MHJS/HASP program; use lived experiences and perspectives to support and promote mental health recovery
• Orient the person to recovery and talk about ways to support recovery; by disclosing personal lived experience, inspire hope, resiliency and personal responsibility. Invite, encourage, and support self-advocacy of clients in terms of their clinical relationships
• Develop and contribute to comprehensive assessments with clients and supports to identify client strengths and needs
• Make connections to other appropriate services by consulting, advocating and liaising with community resources and agencies
• Establish and implement Recovery Plans to guide the mutual work towards client recovery
• Provide on-going supportive counselling, life skills coaching, pre-employment coaching and appropriate referrals to enable clients to achieve their goals.
  
• Facilitate Wellness Action Recovery Plan (WRAP) and Pathways to Recovery groups and support peers to create WRAP and recovery plans for themselves.

This posting description indicates the key responsibilities and core functions of the position. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities.

What you need to join our team

• College diploma or University Degree in a human services field
• Completion of a Peer Support Recovery Education Program is preferred
• Experience with the criminal justice system an asset
• Completion of Wellness Recovery Action Plan Level II training an asset
• Must have lived experience with the mental health system.
• 3 years or more experience working with vulnerable populations.
• Experience with case management in a community setting essential.
• Demonstrated knowledge of serious mental illness, concurrent disorders and/or dual diagnosis is required.
• Knowledge of Critical Time Intervention (CTI) is an asset
• Comprehensive knowledge of Recovery Principles
• Dedicated team player, with strong communication skills
• Knowledge of community services and supports in Region of Peel
• WRAP (Wellness Action Recovery Plan) Facilitator Certification is an asset
• Proficient computer skills including MS Office, Outlook, Client Record Management Systems, OCAN.
  
• Fluency in a second language, including ASL (American Sign Language) is considered an asset.
• Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to approach, listen, build trust, and communicate across diverse cultures and intersectionality. Willingness to continually improve understanding around cultural competence.
• Willingness to learn and apply practical understanding of different elements of diversity, such as gender identity/expression, race/cultural background, religion, sexual orientation, disability, immigration and precarious status, family status, etc.
• Openness to operate from an anti-racist, anti-oppressive, 2SLGBTQ+ affirming and intersectional framework.
• Proof of administered full-series Health Canada approved COVID-19 vaccination prior to start date. If unable to be vaccinated for reasons relating to protected grounds under the Code, completed medical or religious exemption must be provided.
• Valid Canadian driver's license and access to an insured automobile in good repair
• A satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Screening (Police Check) report.
  

Deadline to apply: Open until filled

At the Canadian Mental Health Association – Peel Dufferin Branch, we provide a wide array of community services, resources, and care for people with mental illness. In your role, you'll not only assist people who are struggling, you'll help them return to good health and reintegrate into the community. In everything we do, we work together to make the world a better place – one person at a time.

Apply Now and EMPOWER your career

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CMHA Peel Dufferin is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We are committed to diversity and inclusiveness at our workplace and recognize the unique contribution every individual makes to the community.

We acknowledge that removing and reducing existing barriers and preventing new barriers is required in providing opportunities that foster independence, inclusion, and dignity for people of all ages, genders, cultures, and abilities. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to establishing a qualified workforce that is reflective of the diverse population we serve. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including but not limited to Aboriginal, Indigenous, Metis and Inuit peoples, racialized groups/persons of colour, people with varying abilities, members of visible minority groups, LGBTQ2S+, those who identify as women, and other equity-seeking groups.

CMHA Peel Dufferin is committed to pay equity and right to equal treatment without discrimination in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code in all aspects of the workplace environment and employment relationship.

We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment, selection processes, and work environments. When contacted for a job opportunity, please advise the HR Department of any accommodations needed in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code to ensure you have access to a fair and equitable process. We request that you provide your accommodation request as soon as reasonably practicable. Any information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially. We thank all those who apply, but only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. We retain all applications submitted for one (1) year after the closing date of the posting for consideration in future career opportunities.