Peer Support Worker

DATE: July 5^th, 2024
LOCATION: York Region, ON – Crosslinks Street Outreach & Services Network          COMPENSATION: $48,941 – $58,154 Annually Prorated
CONTRACT DURATION: Ending March 31, 2026

To help fulfill its mission, LOFT is hiring a Peer Support Worker.

Job Summary

The Peer Support Worker (outreach) position is open to those whom have lived experience with mental health and/or addiction and have gone through a process of recovery. The peer mentor is responsible to use their lived experience to assist others in the recovery process and to navigate the mental health and addiction systems. This would be accomplished through a variety of activities such as group facilitation, individual support with appointments and structured positive relationship building.

The Crosslinks Street Outreach and Services Network Program provides a mobile van service that operates seven days a week from 2 pm – 9 pm, except for statutory holidays in York Region. Using a harm reduction approach, the program provides services to residents of York Region experiencing homelessness and those living at low and moderate-income levels.  Clients are able to receive support from the van for basic needs and life-saving services in a manner that fosters self-worth and dignity.

What You Will Do

• Accompany clients to various appointments in the community.
• Support clients with achieving their goals, problem solving and emotional support
• Work in collaboration with other program staff and community partners
• Contribute to program development and implementation.
• Have up-to date knowledge of local resources. Assist with referrals to support as needed.
• To help ensure that clients are connecting with caseworkers and caseworkers with clients.
• Supports a regular number of clients by meeting in the community
• Establishing a supportive relationship, always
• Guide clients to make choices that promote safety, wellness and recovery.
• Positive role model and encouragement of others in the recovery process
• Conduct outreach at various drop-in programs
• Attend training sessions and team meetings
• Have regular supervision with director or senior staff
• Do outreach shifts a minimum of 3 times per month (1-9 pm shifts)

What You Bring
Must Haves

• Experience working with the client population in order to apply theories to a practical setting
• Completion of peer training
• Knowledge of issues faced by this population
• Valid driver’s license, insurance, access to a car daily and good drivers abstract
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to engage clients in highly personal areas.
• Highly developed problem solving and crisis intervention skills.
• Knowledge of community resources and services
• Harm reduction skills
• Computer literacy for statistical data collection
• Experience/knowledge of mental health/ addictions systems.
• Some experience in peer support counselling.
• Strong ability to work independently and on a team.
• Enthusiastic problem solver, positive conflict resolution and goal setting practices.
• Proficient computer skills.
• Flexible availability.

Nice-to-Haves

• Knowledge of other languages is an asset
• An understanding of cultural competency and framework
• Relevant degree/diploma in Social Service

What We Offer

• 24/7 Employee Assistance Program
• E-learning program available all year round
• Starting vacation time above minimum standard,
• Paid personal and paid sick days
• Corporate Gym membership rate with GoodLife Fitness
• Access to Perkopolis, a comprehensive corporate discount program
• Access to unlimited DEI trainings through partnership Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
• A chance to push your ideas from inception to execution
• Satisfying work with a fun, energetic and supportive leader
• An opportunity to be a change maker in an organization that reaches people that often overlooked

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

LOFT Community Services is a values-driven organization with a deep belief that each person has the ability to grow and change. We value compassion, collaboration, and community delivered with dignity, innovation, and excellence. LOFT’s vision is that together, we can all live successfully in our community. Our client population reflects Ontario’s diverse community and it is LOFT’s goal to build a workforce who reflects that diversity. At LOFT, we hold the deep belief that skills and expertise can be cultivated in various ways. Therefore, even if you don’t perfectly align with every listed criterion but feel you could flourish in this role, we highly encourage you to apply.

Note: All LOFT employees are required to be COVID-19 vaccinated as a condition of hire in accordance with LOFT’s Vaccination Policy; unless they are employed in or work regularly with staff who are employed in, non-client facing roles.

Note: A satisfactory vulnerable sector check (VSC) is also required.

CLOSING DATE: July 19^th, 2024