CMHA Kelowna is hiring a Peer Support Worker. The part-time role is a 0.4 FTE (15 hours per week)

Links to Employment helps job seekers with persistent and multiple barriers reach their goals of obtaining meaningful training, volunteer work, and/or employment. The program provides a full range of support and services that are incorporated into a comprehensive treatment plan that is delivered through a Primary Care Centre. Employment can be central to an individual’s recovery and growth as employment is a structured, purposeful activity that can enhance self-esteem and a sense of well-being within society. Employment and education are also vital aspects of fostering connection, wellness, and resilience for members of a diverse community.

WHO IS A PEER SUPPORT WORKER?

The Peer Support Worker in the Links to Employment Program leverages their lived experience of mental illness and personal challenges to provide a client-centered, low-barrier service. This role aids individuals facing multiple barriers in achieving their employment, volunteer, or educational goals within an integrated community setting.

WHAT DOES A PEER SUPPORT WORKER DO?

• Facilitate one-on-one sessions and group meetings to assist clients with job searches, interview preparation, and confidence-building
• Establish respectful and purposeful relationships with clients, helping them clarify goals and navigate community resources
• Support clients in developing essential life skills, such as personal hygiene, financial management, and interpersonal skills
• Assist clients in accessing community services and escort them to various resources and opportunities
• Engage in program planning, evaluation, and quality improvement activities
• Conduct workshops and develop educational materials; complete required training (e.g., First Aid/CPR, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention)
• Represent the agency professionally in all interactions and attend necessary meetings
• Collaborate with the Links team and partner organizations to support individual client goals, sharing insights about the experiences of those with mental illness or substance use
• Maintain accurate written and computerized records, including progress notes and incident reports
• Performs other related duties as assigned

YOUR SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum 2 years’ experience as a Peer Support Worker in the last 3 years, emphasizing mental illness/substance use
• Lived experience in accessing mental health and addictions systems
• Ability to be regularly exposed to individuals who are struggling with and/or recovering from trauma, drug/alcohol use, homelessness, mental health challenges and/or mental illness
• Reliable vehicle and the ability to travel between facilities and other locations on a frequent basis
• Valid Class 5 driver’s license
• Criminal Record Check clearance in the Vulnerable Sector
• Grade 12 education or equivalent required
• Peer Support Training considered an asset
• Certificates in First Aid, CPR and Naloxone considered an asset
• Strong communication skills, empathy, and active listening
• Ability to establish and maintain rapport with clients and families
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Commitment to fostering an equitable and inclusive environment
• Ability to maintain consistent professional boundaries
• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel
• Knowledge of mental health recovery principles and community resources
• Understanding of harm reduction and working with a trauma informed lens

WHO IS CMHA KELOWNA?

At CMHA Kelowna, we are dedicated to Mental Health in our community. No matter how old or how young, we provide support for families and individuals through programs that promote positive mental health and support recovery, while championing the elimination of barriers that can prevent people from thriving. We are a dynamic, innovative and visionary organization. We are looking for someone who shares our vision of a mentally healthy Kelowna and are passionate about making a difference in our community by bringing their particular expertise to our organization. To learn more, check out our website at www.cmhakelowna.org

CMHA KELOWNA OFFERS YOU:

• A competitive hourly range of $24.36-28.01
• Vacation Pay & Personal Health Days
• A workplace culture that fosters learning, transparency, trust and teamwork

As an employer, CMHA Kelowna strives to create a workplace that respects and values all individuals, minimizes bias, and promotes the equity, diversity, and inclusion of different perspectives and ideas. At CMHA Kelowna that means welcoming diversity in mental health, race, ethnicity, and culture. It also means diverse abilities, age, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, gender identities, education, marital status, language, and physical self-expression. These values are embedded in the work CMHA Kelowna does every day.

We appreciate and thank all applicants for their interest, however only short-listed candidates and those legally eligible to work in Canada will be contacted.