Peer Outreach Worker

Company: Aboriginal Health Centre

INTRODUCTION:

The Mental Health and Addictions (MHA) Peer Outreach Workers (POW) will use their lived experience and training in mental health and addictions to establish connection, trust, and rapport, with individuals who identify as Indigenous living in the Brantford/Brant and who are experiencing mental health and addictions issues.  The MHA POWs will provide a unique perspective and inspire hope for those who are experiencing mental health and addictions issues.

POWs will provide outreach to hospitals, clinics, and community, 1 to 1 peer support, and regular facilitated groups (including weekly evening groups).  MHA POW facilitated groups will provide an opportunity for individuals to connect with others in the community while working on improving and maintaining all aspects of wellness including physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. As a part of the outreach component of the position, partnerships and relationships will be built between existing peer outreach programs to learn from their successes, bring awareness to these services, and broaden connection for Indigenous individuals who may be accessing services through other programs in the community.  This would include outreach to other Indigenous organizations, mental health and addictions services, hospital programs, and community services.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

•  A strong connection with Indigenous culture and traditions.
• Lived experience with mental health and/or addictions required.
• Familiarity working with people who have experienced various forms of trauma, including intergenerational & historical trauma, homelessness or precarious housing, transitions between community and hospitals
• Knowledge of local programs and supports for Mental Health and Addictions
• Experience facilitating mental wellness and addictions groups (life skills, anger, anxiety, self-esteem sleeping etc)
• Experience working with individuals in active substance use and applying harm reduction approaches.
• Ability to provide one on one peer support in a formal or informal setting, such as drop-ins, shelters, streets, home visits.
• Ability to effectively manage disruptive behaviour and de-escalation.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Computer literacy and basic proficiency with Microsoft Office

 STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS:

• Lived experience with mental health and/or addictions
• College diploma, peer support training considered an asset

 In addition to requirements for the position, the ideal candidate would also possess some of the following qualifications:

• 2-5+ years’ experience working with individuals with complex needs