HOPE Peer Support Worker

HOPE is presently accepting applications from qualified individuals to fill the following position in our Peer Support Program

Peer Support Worker

Posting # 1038

Position: Permanent Part Time

Base Location: Brantford office

Start Date: ASAP

Hours of Work: Approximately 3-7 hours/month (weekdays, but some weekend/evening work may be required)

Wage Rate: $23.14 - $23.90, depending on qualifications

Purpose of the Position:

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Peer Support Worker Casual to join our amazing team. This role provides hope, encouragement, and practical support to individuals living with mental health challenges. Drawing from your own lived experience of recovery, you will help others build resilience, develop coping strategies, and connect with community resources that support their recovery journey.

Duties Include:

• Provide support and encouragement to individuals accessing our services after hours.
• Share hope and practical strategies based on lived experience of recovery.
• Support individuals in identifying and accessing community and natural supports and how to use these strategies in the recovery process.
• Support individuals to create a goal plan and work toward those goals.
• Assist individuals in developing problem-solving and self-advocacy skills.
• Help individuals recognize and overcome negative self-talk, anxiety, and fears. Promote empowerment, stigma reduction, and recovery-oriented practices.
• Model effective coping techniques and self-help strategies.
• Support and sustain mutual support groups.
• Advocate on behalf of individuals when appropriate.
• Maintain accurate documentation of contacts and service statistics.
• Ensure the confidentiality and privacy of personal information.
• Attend monthly staff meetings and Peer Support Worker Network meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Manager.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma.
• Social Service Worker (SSW) or equivalent is preferred.
• Lived experience as a current or former consumer of mental health services and a willingness to self-identify and share their recovery journey.
• Ability to role model recovery, resilience, and effective coping skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Maturity gained through life experience.
• Ability to safely assess and manage risk.
• Current First Aid and/or CPR certification.
• Knowledge of community resources and mental health support systems.
• Commitment to recovery-oriented and psychosocial rehabilitation principles.
• Availability to work Saturdays and other after-hours shifts as required.
• A current police records check is required.
• Current Driver’s license and reliable vehicle is necessary.
• Peer Support work experience in a mental health service environment is preferred.

Additional Preferences & Qualifications:

• Mental Health First Aid Training and or ASIST
• Certificate training in Peer Specialist community mental health, or willing to get trained in the first month of hiring
• Ability to engage in effective peer relationships with individuals
• Demonstrate strong knowledge of services in Brantford and Brant Countie
• Effective working relationships with hospital and community care giver
• First aid training and/or CPR training
• Knowledge of local community programs
• Strong organizational and computer skills; preferred experience in Client Data Systems (EMH-Ware), Microsoft Office

Why Join Us?

• Use your lived experience to make a meaningful impact.
• Support individuals on their recovery journeys.
• Work within a collaborative, recovery-focused environment.
• Help build stronger, more connected communities.

We encourage applications from individuals with lived experience of mental health challenges who are passionate about supporting others in their recovery.

Thank you for your interest in this position. H.O.P.E. reserves the right to contact only those applicants who shall be offered an interview.

APPLY NOW

Please submit your interest with cover letter and resume (email or letter)

Apply on-line via our careers page

The Canadian Mental Health Association Brant Haldimand Norfolk (CMHA BHN) is an equal opportunity employer, and we value the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion and dignity in the workplace.

CMHA is committed to our workforce reflecting the diversity of the communities within which we work. As such, we explicitly encourage applications from people with lived experience of a mental illness, persons with disabilities, members of Black, Indigenous and racialized communities, people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and others who may contribute to the diversity of our staff. We invite you to self-identify in your cover letter. Please let us know if you require accommodations throughout the application process.