Mental Health Peer Specialist - Niagara, Canada - Niagara Region

Niagara Region

Verified Company

Niagara, Canada

2 weeks ago

Posted by:

Sophia Lee

beBee Recruiter

Description

Division:

Clinical Services

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.

Please note that effective February 12, 2023 mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations are no longer required as per the Niagara Region's amended COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.

As a result, you will not be required to submit verification of your vaccination status before starting employment with the Niagara Region.

However, the Niagara Region continues to reserve the right to reintroduce vaccination requirements in the future if necessary to respond to changing public health advice and\or government direction.

The Niagara Region continues to strongly encourage everyone to remain up-to-date with vaccinations.

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.

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.
Must have knowledge and experience of severe mental illness and treatment and its impact on people living with mental illness (12 years of experience in dealing with mental illness issues and related mental health services.
Must have selfknowledge to manage their mental illness and be well and stable in their own recovery, which normally requires at least 23 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/recoveryoriented 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