Mental Health Peer Specialist

The Peer Specialist is a fully integrated member of a multidisciplinary team and has experience as a recipient of mental health services for severe and persistent mental illness, preferably psychosis. Must be willing to use and share their personal and practical experience, knowledge, and first-hand insight to benefit the team and its clients. The Peer Specialist will provide expertise about the recovery process, self-care, and symptom management as well as promote a team culture that understands, recognizes, and respects each client’s point of view, experience, and preference.

The Peer Specialist is responsible for maximizing client choice, self-determination and decision-making in the planning, delivery, evaluation of treatment, rehabilitation, and support services. The Peer Specialist provides peer counseling, support, and consultation to individual clients, families, and team members; acts as a liaison with community resources; carries out rehabilitation and support functions; and assists in treatment, substance abuse services, education, and crisis intervention along with team members.

• Grade 12 graduation plus an additional program of over one year, preferably in a human services field (Or equivalent combination of education and experience with adults with severe and persistent mental illness).

• Certification in Peer Support Training from a recognized training provider is considered an asset.

• Personal experience as a recipient of mental health services is required (lived experience with psychosis preferred)

• Must have knowledge and experience of severe mental illness and treatment and its impact on people living with mental illness (1-2 years of experience in dealing with mental illness issues and related mental health services).

• Must have self-knowledge to manage their mental illness and be well and stable in their own recovery, which normally requires at least 2-3 years of stability. Familial exposure to mental illness is an asset.

• Must have skills and competence to establish supportive trusting relationships with persons with severe and persistent mental illnesses.

• Essential to have respect for clients' rights regarding personal preferences in treatment.

• Ability to independently assess signs of decompensation and risk and the need for intervention by clinical team members.

• As required, facilitates and coordinates peer driven/recovery-oriented groups utilizing the values and principles of a peer support/person centered philosophy.

• Must demonstrate good communication skills, both verbal and written.

• Knowledge of local community resources.

• Computer skills required.

• Must provide own transportation and be able to travel throughout the Niagara Region to other offices, work locations, or sites as authorized by the Corporation for business reasons.

• Employees who use their personal vehicles for approved Region business shall ensure they are adequately insured with their personal insurance carrier. It is the employee's responsibility to possess and maintain a valid driver's license of the appropriate class to carry out their job in accordance with Corporate Policy.

• Support clients in their travel to locations in the community when it is relevant to the client’s recovery plan as per program policy (which allows the option of staff transporting clients in their personal vehicle).

• In accordance with Corporate Criminal Records Check policy, the position requires the incumbent to undergo a Criminal Records check, including Vulnerable Sector Screening, and submit a Canadian Police Clearance Certificate prior to commencing employment.

• Be available to work flexible hours including weekend and/or evening hours as required.

• Vaccinations as recommended in Public Health policy.