Peer Support Specialist jobs

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Manager of Adult Integrated Services and updating to the Manager of Youth Integrated Services, the Peer Support Program Coordinator provides operational and strategic leadership for CMHA’s adult and youth Peer Support Programs which support individuals on their journey to increased wellbeing and improved mental health to enhance their wellness, find hope and independence through the provision of peer support services. In collaboration with CMHA’s community partners, this position takes lead responsibility for the development, implementation, and evaluation of goals, objectives, operational procedures, policies and curricula for all Peer Support Program services required to meet community needs and the strategic goals of CMHA. This position also provides direct supervision to Peer Volunteer Coordinators and ensures that all program volunteers have the training and resources to meet their goals and objectives. Specific responsibilities are engagement, development and continuous assessment and implementation of Peer Support Programs, Including operational oversight of the activities, volunteer support and training, program evaluation, outcome management and quality assurance.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES

•Develops, implements, and evaluates program strategies, goals, objectives, operational procedures, policies and curricula that are included as deliverables in program contract

•Ensures that regular program evaluations are compiled and distributed

•Attends and facilitates a monthly meeting (and additionally as needed) for PSWs as a forum for PSWs and liaisons to debrief, problem-solve and provide mutual support

•Coordinates PSW-trainee training programs including development of the curriculum and associated teaching materials, leading educational sessions, recruiting instructors, conducting trainee assessments (through designing and setting tests and/or assignments), and completing program evaluations

•Promotes the PSW philosophy and ensures effective communication between, and with, major stakeholders and other community mental health service providers

•Maintains contact with other local, provincial, and national PSW initiatives to evaluated he CMHA program against the best practice and identified performance standards making recommendations to the Manager’s of the Adult and Youth programs for changes when appropriate

•Drafts the program’s operational policies, procedures and evaluation framework, and ensures that they are implemented and followed in both new and existing programs

•Ensures the up to date maintenance of program client information, activity data, progress reports and information and other materials

• Coordinating PSW volunteer schedules and reimbursement by assigning work, tracking hours, and processing/approving timesheets prior to delivering to the appropriate manager

• Monitors existing community resources, identifying program needs and opportunities through community consultation and by undertaking needs assessment activities such as focus groups, surveys, etc.

• Takes lead responsibility for ensuring the timely and efficient delivery and keeping of accurate records, statistics, petty cash, time sheets, mileage and expense forms, schedules, incoming cash, invoices, and purchase orders, etc. for all program components and by all program personnel

• Attends monthly staff meetings, committee meetings and others as required

• Demonstrated commitment to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive team environment

• Attend training sessions that promote equity, diversity, and inclusion

• Other related duties as appropriate and required

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Diploma in a social or health services discipline, or an equivalent combination of

• education and experience

• 1 year or more experience working with and/or supporting adult and youth peer support volunteers and programs.

• Minimum 2 years delivering psychosocial rehabilitation programming to individuals with serious and persistent mental illness, including program coordination experience

• Demonstrated understanding and appreciation of the philosophies of Peer Support, recovery, and consumer empowerment

• Working Knowledge of cognitive behavioral therapy principles and ability to translate them into non-clinical settings

• Demonstrated program evaluation, continuous program improvement and research skills

Education, Training & Experience

Skills & Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing

• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position

• Ability to work independently an in cooperation with others

• Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize

• Ability to establish and maintain rapport with stakeholders

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team as well as independently

• Ability to analyze and resolve problems efficiently and effectively

• Leadership Skills

• Ability to speak publicly and facilitate education sessions

• Excellent knowledge and skill in word processing and spreadsheet computer applications.

• Personal experience receiving mental health services desirable

• Demonstrated ability to foster an equitable and inclusive environment

Pay: $30.20-$31.89 per hour

Expected hours: 30.0 per week

Benefits:

• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care

Work Location: In person