Peer Support Worker

OVERVIEW

The Peer Support Worker works as part of an inter-disciplinary ACT Team, utilizing the recovery model and their experience as a consumer/survivor, to support clients with mental illness in their home environment and in a community setting.  The Peer Support Worker assists clients to connect with community supports and services, provides recreational and peer support groups and other tasks as needed to support clients in their recovery process.

EDUCATION

- 2 years Community College Diploma in mental health or social services required. 
- Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP) Facilitator Certificate preferred.

QUALIFICATIONS

- Minimum of one (1) year of recent relevant experience as a Personal Peer Support Worker in a community mental health setting is required.
- Demonstrated personal lived experience as a recipient of mental health services is required.
- Demonstrated ability to work well with clients who have concurrent disorders is required.
- Demonstrated knowledge of community programs and resources is essential.
- Strong advocacy experience is required.
- Demonstrated knowledge and ability related to co-facilitate  Peer Support Groups (social skills training groups, recreational outings) is required.
- Demonstrated comfort working with clients both on and off site in the community in diverse locations is required
- Demonstrated ability to assume a supportive role  in client - worker relationship using the recovery approach is essential.
- Excellent (oral and written) communication skills is required.
- Demonstrated fluency in a second language is an asset.
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of diverse cultures is required.
- Demonstrated ability to work well independently and in a multi-disciplinary team with the ability to give and receive feedback is required.
- Demonstrated computer proficiency is required; knowledge and skill in TREAT is preferred.
-Demonstrated embodiment of the MGH Values with the ability to engage in a courteous, customer focused manner is essential.
- Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills with the ability to work well under pressure utilizing critical thinking skills is required.
- Good work and attendance record required.
- All employees of Michael Garron Hospital (MGH), a division of Toronto East Health Network (formerly Toronto East General Hospital) agree to work within the legislated practices ofthe Occupational Health and Safety Act of Ontario.
- All employees of MGH are responsible to contribute to a transparent culture of patient and staff safety by adhering to and abiding by patient and staff safety policies and procedures set by MGH.
- All employees are accountable for protecting the psychological health and safety of themselves and their co-workers through adherence to MGH's policies and practices.