Peer Support Worker

About this position

Peer Support Worker Job Posting

Position: Peer Support Worker

Type of Position:Permanent Full-Time

Reporting to: Recovery Connections Program Manager

Salary and Hours: $24.00/hour (plus 6% in lieu of benefits during probation) with benefits; 30 hours/week
*3 Positions Available. 

Psychiatric Survivors of Ottawa (PSO) is a member-driven, local non-profit organization specializing in mental health and substance use health peer support services. We believe that people with lived and living experience are able to create connection and build community by supporting each other through our shared experience of accessing the mental health system. Our programming includes hospital-based inpatient and post-discharge peer support, peer support referrals from community-based partners, family peer support and workshops, virtual, in-person, and hybrid peer support groups, recreational activities and events, and educational workshops and training. All our services are created by and offered by people with lived and living experience in mental health and/or substance use health.

We are currently recruiting a Peer Support Worker to join our organization. A Peer Support Worker provides non-clinical one-to-one and group peer support in addition to sharing expertise derived from having personal experience with accessing the mental health and/or substance use systems.  At PSO, we want our staff members to reflect the diverse community that we are a part of. Candidates who identify as belonging to 2SLGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and/or having other marginalized identities will be prioritized.

Please submit your covering letter, indicating availability, and resume via email by noon, Friday, June 14, 2024 and address it to the attention of the Hiring Committee. No phone calls please.

Job Summary:

Peer Support workers have lived experience with accessing hospital in-patient and emergency department for mental health and/or substance use reasons and will providing support through meaningful disclosure. The focus of this position will be on using a model of intentional peer support to engage individuals, practice supportive listening, share knowledge on peer support, and by sharing information about tools, such as WRAP, to facilitate a smoother transition as the client accesses and leaves hospital-related services. This position will be located directly in an in-patient unit in an Ottawa-area hospital through partnership and collaboration with the hospital.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Provide non-clinical one-to-one support to service users who are accessing hospital services for mental health and/or substance use related reasons.
2. Provide non-clinical self-help groups to people in inpatient mental health and/or substance use units. Additional groups offered in a community-based or virtual setting, as well as co-facilitated with hospital staff, may also be provided.
3. Provide support and expertise in the planning, implementation and facilitation of other groups or activities offered by the hospital.
4. Contribute to program data collection activities and communications activities.
5. Serve as a role model for service users by supporting and promoting recovery within the context of peer support services.
6. Support and empower service users in seeking out the information related to their hospital stay and discharge.
7. Fulfill required administrative duties including data entry, meetings, and other tasks as assigned.
8. Ensure their activities and actions are consistent with hospital policies and procedures.
9. Take responsibility for Professional Development and participate in any relevant training and/or information sessions.
10. Fulfill required administrative duties including data entry, meetings, and other tasks as assigned.
11. Work with other Team Members and partner organizations to address emerging issues in hospital and community settings.
12. Participate in education, evaluation, and research activities within the context of the of family/peer support services
13. Outreach and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to build awareness of, and promote peer support and family support

1. Experience as a recipient of mental health and/or substance use inpatient hospital services, and a demonstrated ability to share this expertise in the context of empowering others.
2. Knowledge of, and life or work experience with, mental health, substance use health, and social service systems will be considered an asset, as will a demonstrated commitment to ongoing education.  Training certifications in programs such as WRAP, or a commitment to acquire these certifications, is required.
3. Demonstrated understanding of the principles and value of intentional peer support.
4. Demonstrated knowledge of peer support and family support community resources.
5. Superior communication skills that inspire empowerment and hope.
6. A good grasp of the principles of self-care, empowerment, hope, and self-determination, and an understanding of working from a strengths-based perspective.
7. Ability to work with a diverse group of people within their unique perspectives and experiences.
8. A superior ability to establish trusting relationships with others.
9. Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse team.
10. Ability to establish appropriate boundaries in order to provide a non-judgmental, confidential and respectful environment.
11. Bilingualism (French/English) preferred for work in any of our work sites, however fluent French/English bilingualism is required for work assigned at Montfort Hospital.

1. Must be able to obtain a Vulnerable Sector Check
2. Must be able to obtain appropriate medical clearances including up to date vaccinations and tuberculosis testing (Medical exemptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis)