Peer Worker - Temporary Full Time

Job summary

Provide peer support and navigation services for individuals with mental health and addiction issues within the hospital's Emergency Department. Assist clients in developing recovery plans and connect them with appropriate community resources to reduce hospital readmissions.

Job details

Peer Worker Sault Ste. Marie, ON Consumer Survivor (CRC) Full-time Aug 25, 2026 Hourly: $20.3 - $25.26 Position Title: Peer Worker Classification: E Reports To: Program Supervisor Department: Consumer Survivor (Hospital Navigator) Location: Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario Position Status: Temporary Full Time, until March 31, 2027 Salary: $20.30 -$25.26/hour, per Local 684 Collective Agreement Union/Non-Union: Union, OPSEU/SEFPO Local 684 About CMHA Algoma The Canadian Mental Health Association, Algoma Branch (CMHA Algoma) is a community-based mental health and addictions agency committed to improving the well-being of individuals and families throughout the Algoma District. Guided by our mission, vision, and values of respect, integrity, and compassion, we deliver a broad range of programs and services to meet diverse community needs. POSITION SUMMARY The Peer Worker is responsible for supporting individuals living with mental illness and/or addictions, to improve the quality of their lives, through the provision of community based, client centered services that support positive interdependence. The Peer Worker functions in a manner founded upon the principle that people who have life experiences in common, have something to offer each other, which cannot be provided by others. This approach assumes that individuals who have experienced a serious mental illness and/or addiction can better understand and relate to individuals trying to deal with their mental illness and/or addiction and are in a unique position to help. The Peer Worker carries out these responsibilities in accordance with the mission, vision and values of CMHA Algoma, relevant legislation and regulations and organizational policies, to promote the delivery of efficient and high-quality services. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Peer Support, Community Relations/Advocacy, and General Organizational Responsibilities Providing peer support services at the Sault Area Hospital within the Emergency Department for individuals with mental health and/or addictions issues Providing information, support and assistance to individuals as they enter, flow through and depart the hospital setting Utilizing existing community outreach and support programs, building on the existing expertise of the programs already established through a shared model of care Assisting individuals in developing personal crisis and recovery plans Providing education and referring/redirecting to appropriate community resources that will enhance the person’s support system, expanding their pathways of care and working towards a reduction in Emergency Department visits QUALIFICATIONS Education, Certification & Experience · Certificate or Diploma, preferably in a Human or Health Service-related field · OPDI – Peer Support core Essential Training Certification or an approved alternative training (or willingness to obtain) preferred · Mandatory First Aid/CPR and Safe Food Handling Certification · ASIST Certification or willing to obtain on own, within 3 months · Minimum one-year experience in the fields of mental health and/or addictions · Lived experience with mental health/addictions and/or demonstrated experience working with individuals facing mental health/addictions issues Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities · Ability to work in partnership with clients · Ability and flexibility to work independently and as part of a team · Demonstrated organizational and time-management skills, accountability, reliability and punctuality and ability to work independently as well as part of a team · Working knowledge of community resources\Basic computer and internet usage skills will be considered an asset · Strong communication skills · Willing to work flexible hours · Personal knowledge of the mental health system · Demonstrated ability to engage in reasonable self-care strategies that incorporate balancing work/life responsibilities · Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills Other · Acceptable Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check upon hire and to be maintained throughout employment · Ability to provide effective client services in English and French, is preferred · Requires heavy lifting, reaching, repetitive and bending · Ability to move, ascend, descend and position self from floor and back up for prolong periods · Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle, if required HOW TO APPLY Please submit application through out HRIS Portal here, no later than Wednesday September 9, 2026 at 4:00pm. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Additional Information This is a bargaining unit position. Internal candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and requirements will be given priority consideration before external applicants. CMHA Algoma is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are committed to providing accommodation throughout the recruitment and selection process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Reason for Posting: New Position CMHA Algoma does not use Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the hiring process.

What you’ll do

Provide peer support and navigation services for individuals with mental health and addiction issues within the hospital's Emergency Department. Assist clients in developing recovery plans and connect them with appropriate community resources to reduce hospital readmissions.

Requirements

Requires a certificate or diploma in Human or Health Services and lived experience with mental health or addictions. Candidates must have at least one year of experience in the field and be willing to obtain specific certifications like OPDI and ASIST.

Listed skills

• Time management · Preferred
• Problem solving · Preferred
• Mental Health Support · Preferred
• Decision Making · Preferred
• case management · Preferred
• Communication Skills · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Peer Support
• Crisis Planning
• Recovery Planning
• Community Outreach
• Case Management
• Communication Skills
• Problem Solving
• Decision Making
• Time Management
• Patient Advocacy
• Mental Health Support
• Addictions Support

Job areas

• Healthcare
• Social Services
• Administrative