Top Benefits
About the role
Division
Clinical Services
Important Notices & Amendments
Please note that while this position is currently being posted as permanent full-time, it is still undergoing the final stages of the approval process. As such, there is a possibility that the role may ultimately be offered as either a temporary full-time or permanent full-time position, depending on the outcome of that process.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING THIS POSITION:
This new position is part of the new Housing First ACT Team with Homeless and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub Niagara.
This position will be working with individuals faced with homelessness, substance misuse, and mental health concerns.
The location for this position is yet to be determined but will be within the Niagara Region and will require travel throughout the entire area.
Important Notices & Amendments
As an employer of choice, Niagara Region offers competitive salaries and benefits, a defined benefit pension plan, a corporate wellness centre, access to the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), mentorship and training programs, employee recognition programs, and more. In addition, the Region recognizes the value of having flexible work arrangements to support better work-life balance for our employees. Hybrid work arrangements may vary from one employee to another and may also differ in the number of remote workdays. These opportunities remain subject to the alignment of operational needs, business requirements, and customer service expectations.
About Us
Serving a diverse urban and rural population of more than 475,000, Niagara Region is focused on building a strong and prosperous Niagara. Working collaboratively with 12 local area municipalities and numerous community partners, the Region delivers a range of high-quality programs and services to support and advance the well-being of individuals, families and communities within its boundaries. Nestled between the great lakes of Erie and Ontario, the Niagara peninsula features some of Canada’s most fertile agricultural land, the majesty of Niagara Falls and communities that are rich in both history and recreational and cultural opportunities. Niagara boasts dynamic modern cities, Canada’s most developed wine industry, a temperate climate, extraordinary theatre, and some of Ontario’s most breathtaking countryside. An international destination with easy access to its binational U.S. neighbour New York State, Niagara attracts over 14 million visitors annually, as well as a steady stream of new residents and businesses.
At Niagara Region, we value diversity - in background and experience. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We aspire to hire and grow a workforce reflective of the diverse community we serve. By doing so, we can deliver better programs and services across Niagara.
We welcome all applicants! For more information about diversity, equity, and inclusion at Niagara Region, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion - Niagara Region, Ontarioor email related questions to diversity@niagararegion.ca. To send input on reducing barriers in the current hiring process, please email myhr@niagararegion.ca
For the Region's full employee equity statement, Working at Niagara Region - Niagara Region, Ontario.
Don’t have every qualification?
You may be hesitant to apply if you do not have every qualification listed in the posting. While specific qualifications are important for certain roles, we invite individuals from diverse backgrounds and varying levels of experience and education to apply. Our recruiters will evaluate your suitability for the role.
Please note that for unionized roles, we must follow collective agreement requirements. However, we encourage all interested candidates to submit their applications. We believe success in a role can extend beyond meeting every single requirement.
Job Description
JOB SUMMARY
The Peer Specialist is a fully integrated member of a multidisciplinary team and has experience as a recipient of mental health services for severe and persistent mental illness, preferably psychosis. Must be willing to use and share their personal and practical experience, knowledge, and first-hand insight to benefit the team and its clients. The Peer Specialist will provide expertise about the recovery process, self-care, and symptom management as well as promote a team culture that understands, recognizes, and respects each client’s point of view, experience, and preference.
The Peer Specialist is responsible for maximizing client choice, self-determination and decision-making in the planning, delivery, evaluation of treatment, rehabilitation, and support services. The Peer Specialist provides peer counseling, support, and consultation to individual clients, families, and team members; acts as a liaison with community resources; carries out rehabilitation and support functions; and assists in treatment, substance abuse services, education, and crisis intervention along with team members.
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
- Grade 12 graduation plus an additional program of over one year, preferably in a human services field (Or equivalent combination of education and experience with adults with severe and persistent mental illness).
- Certification in Peer Support Training from a recognized training provider is considered an asset.
KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE
- Personal experience as a recipient of mental health services is required (lived experience with psychosis preferred)
- Must have knowledge and experience of severe mental illness and treatment and its impact on people living with mental illness (1-2 years of experience in dealing with mental illness issues and related mental health services).
- Must have self-knowledge to manage their mental illness and be well and stable in their own recovery, which normally requires at least 2-3 years of stability. Familial exposure to mental illness is an asset.
SKILLS
- Must have skills and competence to establish supportive trusting relationships with persons with severe and persistent mental illnesses.
- Essential to have respect for clients' rights regarding personal preferences in treatment.
- Ability to independently assess signs of decompensation and risk and the need for intervention by clinical team members.
- As required, facilitates and coordinates peer driven/recovery-oriented groups utilizing the values and principles of a peer support/person centered philosophy.
- Must demonstrate good communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Knowledge of local community resources.
- Computer skills required.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
- Must provide own transportation and be able to travel throughout the Niagara Region to other offices, work locations, or sites as authorized by the Corporation for business reasons.
- Employees who use their personal vehicles for approved Region business shall ensure they are adequately insured with their personal insurance carrier. It is the employee's responsibility to possess and maintain a valid driver's license of the appropriate class to carry out their job in accordance with Corporate Policy.
- Support clients in their travel to locations in the community when it is relevant to the client’s recovery plan as per program policy (which allows the option of staff transporting clients in their personal vehicle).
- In accordance with Corporate Criminal Records Check policy, the position requires the incumbent to undergo a Criminal Records check, including Vulnerable Sector Screening, and submit a Canadian Police Clearance Certificate prior to commencing employment.
- Be available to work flexible hours including weekend and/or evening hours as required.
- Vaccinations as recommended in Public Health policy.
Closing Statement
Uncover the wonder of the Niagara Region and join a team dedicated to meeting tomorrow’s challenges TODAY!
Let us know why you would be an excellent team member by submitting your online application.
We thank all candidates for their interest however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
We confirm that we do not use AI in screening of applicants, and this position is an existing vacancy.
If you require an accommodation for the application process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, the alternate formats for contacting us are as follows:
- Email: myhr@niagararegion.ca
- Phone: 905-980-6000 or 1-800-263-7215
- Bell Relay: 1-800-855-0511
- In-person: Sir Isaac Brock Way, Thorold, ON L2V 4T7 – Human Resources Department
About NIAGARA REGION
Niagara Region is a Regional municipality serving more than 480,000 people who call Niagara home. We provide services essential to your day-to-day life, from clean water, roads and waste collection to public safety, housing and more.
We believe in social, environmental and economic choices that support our diverse community and foster collaboration with our partners in making Niagara a prosperous place for everyone.
As a Regional government, Niagara Region is composed of 32 council members, who represent Niagara's 12 cities, towns and townships. Geographically, our region is as diverse as the municipal services that sustain it. Located between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, Niagara encompasses an area of 1,852 km2 and is home to communities rich in both character and history.
Top Benefits
About the role
Division
Clinical Services
Important Notices & Amendments
Please note that while this position is currently being posted as permanent full-time, it is still undergoing the final stages of the approval process. As such, there is a possibility that the role may ultimately be offered as either a temporary full-time or permanent full-time position, depending on the outcome of that process.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING THIS POSITION:
This new position is part of the new Housing First ACT Team with Homeless and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub Niagara.
This position will be working with individuals faced with homelessness, substance misuse, and mental health concerns.
The location for this position is yet to be determined but will be within the Niagara Region and will require travel throughout the entire area.
Important Notices & Amendments
As an employer of choice, Niagara Region offers competitive salaries and benefits, a defined benefit pension plan, a corporate wellness centre, access to the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), mentorship and training programs, employee recognition programs, and more. In addition, the Region recognizes the value of having flexible work arrangements to support better work-life balance for our employees. Hybrid work arrangements may vary from one employee to another and may also differ in the number of remote workdays. These opportunities remain subject to the alignment of operational needs, business requirements, and customer service expectations.
About Us
Serving a diverse urban and rural population of more than 475,000, Niagara Region is focused on building a strong and prosperous Niagara. Working collaboratively with 12 local area municipalities and numerous community partners, the Region delivers a range of high-quality programs and services to support and advance the well-being of individuals, families and communities within its boundaries. Nestled between the great lakes of Erie and Ontario, the Niagara peninsula features some of Canada’s most fertile agricultural land, the majesty of Niagara Falls and communities that are rich in both history and recreational and cultural opportunities. Niagara boasts dynamic modern cities, Canada’s most developed wine industry, a temperate climate, extraordinary theatre, and some of Ontario’s most breathtaking countryside. An international destination with easy access to its binational U.S. neighbour New York State, Niagara attracts over 14 million visitors annually, as well as a steady stream of new residents and businesses.
At Niagara Region, we value diversity - in background and experience. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We aspire to hire and grow a workforce reflective of the diverse community we serve. By doing so, we can deliver better programs and services across Niagara.
We welcome all applicants! For more information about diversity, equity, and inclusion at Niagara Region, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion - Niagara Region, Ontarioor email related questions to diversity@niagararegion.ca. To send input on reducing barriers in the current hiring process, please email myhr@niagararegion.ca
For the Region's full employee equity statement, Working at Niagara Region - Niagara Region, Ontario.
Don’t have every qualification?
You may be hesitant to apply if you do not have every qualification listed in the posting. While specific qualifications are important for certain roles, we invite individuals from diverse backgrounds and varying levels of experience and education to apply. Our recruiters will evaluate your suitability for the role.
Please note that for unionized roles, we must follow collective agreement requirements. However, we encourage all interested candidates to submit their applications. We believe success in a role can extend beyond meeting every single requirement.
Job Description
JOB SUMMARY
The Peer Specialist is a fully integrated member of a multidisciplinary team and has experience as a recipient of mental health services for severe and persistent mental illness, preferably psychosis. Must be willing to use and share their personal and practical experience, knowledge, and first-hand insight to benefit the team and its clients. The Peer Specialist will provide expertise about the recovery process, self-care, and symptom management as well as promote a team culture that understands, recognizes, and respects each client’s point of view, experience, and preference.
The Peer Specialist is responsible for maximizing client choice, self-determination and decision-making in the planning, delivery, evaluation of treatment, rehabilitation, and support services. The Peer Specialist provides peer counseling, support, and consultation to individual clients, families, and team members; acts as a liaison with community resources; carries out rehabilitation and support functions; and assists in treatment, substance abuse services, education, and crisis intervention along with team members.
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
- Grade 12 graduation plus an additional program of over one year, preferably in a human services field (Or equivalent combination of education and experience with adults with severe and persistent mental illness).
- Certification in Peer Support Training from a recognized training provider is considered an asset.
KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE
- Personal experience as a recipient of mental health services is required (lived experience with psychosis preferred)
- Must have knowledge and experience of severe mental illness and treatment and its impact on people living with mental illness (1-2 years of experience in dealing with mental illness issues and related mental health services).
- Must have self-knowledge to manage their mental illness and be well and stable in their own recovery, which normally requires at least 2-3 years of stability. Familial exposure to mental illness is an asset.
SKILLS
- Must have skills and competence to establish supportive trusting relationships with persons with severe and persistent mental illnesses.
- Essential to have respect for clients' rights regarding personal preferences in treatment.
- Ability to independently assess signs of decompensation and risk and the need for intervention by clinical team members.
- As required, facilitates and coordinates peer driven/recovery-oriented groups utilizing the values and principles of a peer support/person centered philosophy.
- Must demonstrate good communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Knowledge of local community resources.
- Computer skills required.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
- Must provide own transportation and be able to travel throughout the Niagara Region to other offices, work locations, or sites as authorized by the Corporation for business reasons.
- Employees who use their personal vehicles for approved Region business shall ensure they are adequately insured with their personal insurance carrier. It is the employee's responsibility to possess and maintain a valid driver's license of the appropriate class to carry out their job in accordance with Corporate Policy.
- Support clients in their travel to locations in the community when it is relevant to the client’s recovery plan as per program policy (which allows the option of staff transporting clients in their personal vehicle).
- In accordance with Corporate Criminal Records Check policy, the position requires the incumbent to undergo a Criminal Records check, including Vulnerable Sector Screening, and submit a Canadian Police Clearance Certificate prior to commencing employment.
- Be available to work flexible hours including weekend and/or evening hours as required.
- Vaccinations as recommended in Public Health policy.
Closing Statement
Uncover the wonder of the Niagara Region and join a team dedicated to meeting tomorrow’s challenges TODAY!
Let us know why you would be an excellent team member by submitting your online application.
We thank all candidates for their interest however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
We confirm that we do not use AI in screening of applicants, and this position is an existing vacancy.
If you require an accommodation for the application process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, the alternate formats for contacting us are as follows:
- Email: myhr@niagararegion.ca
- Phone: 905-980-6000 or 1-800-263-7215
- Bell Relay: 1-800-855-0511
- In-person: Sir Isaac Brock Way, Thorold, ON L2V 4T7 – Human Resources Department
About NIAGARA REGION
Niagara Region is a Regional municipality serving more than 480,000 people who call Niagara home. We provide services essential to your day-to-day life, from clean water, roads and waste collection to public safety, housing and more.
We believe in social, environmental and economic choices that support our diverse community and foster collaboration with our partners in making Niagara a prosperous place for everyone.
As a Regional government, Niagara Region is composed of 32 council members, who represent Niagara's 12 cities, towns and townships. Geographically, our region is as diverse as the municipal services that sustain it. Located between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, Niagara encompasses an area of 1,852 km2 and is home to communities rich in both character and history.