Peer Welcomer (Brampton HART Hub)

Canadian Mental Health Association Peel Dufferin (CMHA Peel Dufferin) is pleased to partner with various agencies in the Peel Region, including Peel Addiction Assessment and Referral Centre (PAARC), to offer services to the local community at the *new* Brampton based Homelessness and Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub.

HART Hubs are community-based care hubs designed to address mental health, addiction and housing needs for people experiencing homelessness. They provide integrated care, offering a wide range of services such as primary care, mental health services, addiction care and employment supports. With targeted community outreach and rapid referral pathways, HART Hubs aim to support individuals with complex needs, helping them recover, achieve housing stability, and inclusion.

Achieving our vision means we’re recruiting people who are passionate about driving change and delivering evidence-based, responsive and affirming care that meet people where they are. Are you ready to join us?

About Peel Addiction Assessment & Referral Centre (PAARC):

PAARC is a notable not-for-profit charitable organization funded by the Ministry of Health, through Ontario Health Central Region. With full accreditation from the Canadian Centre for Accreditation, we're dedicated to providing comprehensive services to those dealing with alcohol, drugs, gambling, gaming, and various behavioral dependencies, alongside supporting mental health challenges. Our commitment to a diverse, inclusive workplace and a person-centered approach underlines our services and team ethos.

About the role

As part of a multi-disciplinary team, the Peer Welcomer plays a crucial role in creating a welcoming, inclusive and non-judgmental environment. The Peer Welcomer implements holistic tools for support and provides peer supports to individuals experiencing mental health, addiction and/or homelessness concerns, using their lived experience to build relationships and promote an individual’s right to self determination. The Peer Welcomers also plays an important function in providing front desk supports and maintaining the overall coordination of the site.

We are hiring for one (1) full-time, permanent role working at the Brampton HART Hub

Benefits included: group health/dental plan, RRSP matching, LTD/life insurance, EAP, 4 weeks of vacation to start, professional development opportunities, mileage reimbursement

What you'll do

• Serve as first point of contact for walk-in clients, providing a welcoming, inclusive, non-stigmatizing experience for visitors, grounded in lived experience and trauma-informed care.
• May use evidence-based tools to assist clients in goal setting and creating individual care plans
• Share relevant lived experience in an appropriate and professional manner.
• Promote empowerment and self-advocacy for clients
• Assist to identify and combat negative self-talk and overcome fears by sharing own techniques and strategies.
• Manage and support the flow of the common spaces and basic need services on site.
• In collaboration with the team, be mindful of and prepared to respond to risk with mitigation strategies, including providing crisis intervention and de-escalation supports and connecting to crisis services when appropriate.
• Refer and link clients to community resources and groups that support recovery goals
• Facilitate recovery and/or social-recreational groups as needed, including developing new group materials.
• Actively participate in staff meetings, team huddles, supervisions, case conferences, trainings, and events as required.
• Update all appropriate documentation within 24 hours of client contact
• Participate in internal or external committees, including communities of practice as requested by the HART Hub Program Manager and/or home organization
• Participate in PAARC All-Staff Events, meetings and training activities, as requested
• Represent PAARC at all times in a professional manner

Skills & Competencies Required

• Demonstrated experience working within a multidisciplinary team and evidence of an ability to collaborate and partner.
• Working knowledge and/or an understanding of various disciplines; including but not exclusive of mental health, substance use, harm reduction, newcomer challenges and barriers faced by those in marginalized populations.
• Demonstrated cultural competence, ability to work and apply practical understanding of different elements of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging as well as an understanding of social determinants of health and impact on vulnerable communities.
• Knowledge of a variety of evidence-informed treatment modalities including motivational interviewing and trauma informed practices.
• Experienced at engaging in matters that require sensitivity and empathy across a diverse community, excellent judgement, and discretion; ability to operate with various frameworks including culturally sensitive, anti-racist, anti-oppressive, 2SLGBTQ+ affirming and intersectional.

Requirements

• Personal lived experience of addiction and a willingness to share your experience
• Completion of Secondary School or equivalent education and experience is required
• Post secondary education is an asset
• Relevant professional experienced in the mental health, addictions, and/or homelessness sector
• Peer certification or training is an asset, or in the absence of training, willingness to be trained is required
• Non-violent crisis intervention, CPR, and First Aid Certification.
• A Criminal Records Check/Vulnerable Sector Screening is mandatory for all clinical positions at PAARC.
• Language Skills: Proficiency in prevalent languages in the Region of Peel (such as Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi, Arabic) and French considered a strong asset.

Working Conditions

• Onsite at the Brampton HART Hub location (10 Peel Centre Drive, Brampton). Hours of operation are 9:00 am – 9:00 pm, Monday to Sunday (no bed services at this location). The HART Hub is open 365 days a year.
• Community based work required to meet with clients
• Shiftwork required: 12 hour rotational shifts including weekends and stat holidays 9:00am – 9:00pm. Will be expected to work 37.5 hours per week and schedule will be determine in consultation with partners.

By joining our team at PAARC, you're not just accepting a job; you're embarking on a rewarding career path that offers growth, fulfillment, and the opportunity to contribute to a more inclusive, supportive community. Apply now to be part of a dynamic team where your work truly matters and helps transform lives every day.

PAARC is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to accessible and inclusive employment practices in compliance with AODA. We value diversity and encourage all qualified candidates, including women, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, and Aboriginal Peoples, to apply. Our commitment extends through all recruitment stages. We encourage candidates to specify if they require any accommodation to ensure their full participation in the recruitment process, striving for an inclusive work environment where everyone is respected and valued.