Peer Support Worker – Evenings

at  Canadian Mental Health Association

WHY JOIN CMHA KENORA?

We are a team committed to our vision of mental health support for all. We offer an inclusive, innovative, and high-performance work culture that helps us deliver transformational impact. The organization cares about the growth, safety and well-being of employees and offers:

• Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)
• Learning & professional development opportunities

Deadline to apply: September 3rd, 2024

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of issues related to poverty and homelessness
• Networking skills and outreach skills
• Ability to assess dynamic risk
• Highly developed communication skills
• Assessment, case management, advocacy, counselling, and recording skills
• Understanding and applied knowledge of Recovery Model, Brief Therapy, Strengths Perspective, Harm Reduction, Psychosocial Rehabilitation & Housing First
• Activities of daily living, problem solving skills and ability to teach and model these skills for clients
• Cultural Competence for Diverse populations
• Ability to work independently
• Professionalism in the performance of duties
• Cultural Competence
• Understands Trauma-Informed approaches
• Computer literacy
• Ability to articulate and represent the perspective of lived experience and patron rights
• Knowledge of issues related to poverty and homelessness
• Applied knowledge of the Recovery Model and Philosophy - Peer support workers are uniquely positioned to support individuals in the process of recovery; supporting wellness and assuming individuals with mental illness have much to offer
• Training in Peer Support Work (Ex. Core Skills SHH/TEACH, Core Essentials OPDI, training by Centre for Excellence in Peer Support)
• Effective strategies to deal with stress
• Knowledge of mental health/illness and mental health difficulties
• Working knowledge of community resources and agencies
• Minimum of 1 year volunteer experience in an official peer support role
• Ability to work independently and advocate on behalf of patrons
• Networking skills and outreach skills
• Cultural Competence for Diverse populations
• Professionalism in the performance of duties
• Understands Trauma-Informed approaches
• Ability to work across cultural barriers
• Computer literacy and recording skills
• Ability to adequately access public transportation
• Valid Driver’s License
• Criminal Records Check
• Certification in CPR and First Aid or willingness to obtain same

• Adherence to all policies and procedures of Canadian Mental Health Association, Kenora Branch
• Assurance of confidentiality of all clients, personnel and organizational records and information
• Develop professional and supportive relationships with people accessing the overnight Kenora Emergency Shelter
• Share common experiences with patrons and self-awareness
• Assist in the development of individualized planning and strategies to support the achievement of housing goals and objectives for patrons as coordinated by the Clinical Service Hub Team
• Providing on-going case management support to assess progress to ensure recovery plan outcomes are met or changed as needed with the Clinical Service Hub Team
• Make appropriate recommendations for supports and services of patrons
• Identify barriers that restrict and develop strategies that facilitate the patron’s ability to meet identified goals
• Advocating for development of patron initiatives within the community and within the Kenora Emergency Shelter that identifies opportunities for patrons
• Respond to inquiries and aid first responders and emergency services when presenting at the Kenora Emergency Shelter
• Work collaboratively with patrons, co-workers, and the community
• Support patrons to navigate the health and social service systems and connect to appropriate resources in their community to meet their needs
• Support patrons to address problems/issues and find solutions
• Support patrons to set their own goals
• Support patrons to create a life of their choosing
• Continuous assessment of risk
• Alignment with the Core Values of Peer Support
• Introducing and referring patrons to consumer self-help programs and advocacy organizations that promote recovery
• Assist in reducing patron isolation and increase client community integration
• Establish rapport with patrons, build a relationship of trust, respect, genuineness, and empathy while maintaining clear professional boundaries and sharing lived experience
• Developed decision making skills to take appropriate actions ensuring safety of patrons and those around them
• Assessment of client need and mental status; assess the level of need and determine appropriate response; including reporting of client disclosure of harm to self or others (implementation of agencies Suicide Strategy)
• Conducting regular formal or informal evaluation of client satisfaction, achievement of goals, reassessment of service requirements and or needs in consultation with the client
• Coordination of wrap around services in partnership with the Clinical Service Hub as assessed for client need
• Participation in staff meetings and other meetings and committee work as directed by the Clinical Service Hub Team Lead & Chief Executive Officer
• Collection and maintenance of statistical information and keeping appropriate records of direct and indirect service
• Outcome monitoring and evaluation
• Professionally representing Canadian Mental Health Association, Kenora Branch
• Drafting all necessary correspondence and reports regarding clients
• Participation in administrative and office functions, including ongoing maintenance of office space
• Participation in educational and professional development opportunities
• Provide a safe environment by ensuring adherences to Workplace Health and Safety Regulations and Policies, Infection Control Guidelines, WHIMIS and Safe Work Procedures; including but not limited to Fire, Disaster and Evacuation Plans
• Ensure client safety and client safety activities are emphasized throughout orientation of new staff members and in day-to-day interactions with patrons
• Support an environment which avoids, prevents, and corrects all activities or actions which may result in an adverse outcome in the delivery of mental health services
• Responsible for self-care
• Other duties as directed