Vacancy Detail

OPSEU


Job Title: Peer Support Specialist
Status: Temporary Full Time (12 months)
Department: PROVINCIAL EPI PROGRAM
Program: Mental Health & Addictions
8 Hour Shifts, days,evenings Schedule (Subject to Change)
Location: Lakeridge Health Whitby (Whitby Mall - 1615 Dundas St. E Lang Tower)
Wage Schedule: $31.830 - $33.150 per hour
Posting Reference: 2600000280

Lakeridge Health is more than a hospital. It is a health network that includes five hospitals, a long-term care home, a community-based surgical centre, and more than 30 community sites across the Durham Region. Guided by our vision of One System. Best Health. and supported by a dedicated team of nearly 9,000 staff, physicians, and volunteers, Lakeridge Health is a place where the best people want to start, grow, and finish their careers in health care. We are focused on fostering an environment that’s inclusive, compassionate, innovative, and joyful. This is Lakeridge Health!


DESCRIPTION:

EPI offers treatment, rehabilitation and support to youth and adults between 14 and 35 years old who have experienced a first episode of psychosis. The program consists of an interdisciplinary team who have training and experience in psychiatry, nursing, social work, substance-use treatment and vocational, family and peer support. The EPI Team supports clients in office-based and community/home settings.

Under the direction of the client care manager, and working as a member of the interdisciplinary team, the EPI Peer Support Specialist draws upon their own lived experience of mental health recovery to offer peer-based support, advocacy, and recovery-oriented services. The Peer Support Specialist engages clients in a respectful, empathetic and person-centered manner, promoting wellness, independence and hope. Peer services will be offered in accordance with the new province-wide EPI treatment model - NAVIGATE/Coordinated Specialty Care.

DUTIES:

* Encourage clients to advocate for themselves, and when necessary advocate on their behalf - from the perspective of someone with lived experience
* Promote client self-determination and empowerment.
* Create connections with clients by sharing personal lived experience and holding space for clients to share their own.
* Support clients to identify and work toward recovery goals using a person-centred and non-judgemental approach - meeting clients 'where they are at'.
* Understand clients' interests, preferences, needs and abilities, offering them 1:1 support, unique individualized recovery tools, resources, and other supports. This includes topics and activities beyond mental health.
* Offer a combination of office-based service and home/community outreach to clients as part of the EPI service delivery model.
* Promote access to community resources and offer support with addressing barriers. This includes accompaniment to appointments and activities in the community.
* Offer clients support with life-skills. (E.g. attending appointments, time management, transportation, hygiene, shopping, budgeting, etc.)
* Develop and facilitate recovery-oriented group programming. Collaborate with team members in the planning and facilitation of social-recreational activities.
*Participate in care planning and offer input on recovery-based approaches.
*Connect and collaborate with families to support the client's care, based on client preferences.
*Offer evidence-based crisis intervention services.
*Maintain timely and professional clinical records.
* Work collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team.
*Develop professional relationships with community partners.
*Enhance community awareness of peer support and EPI services.
*Participate in role-specific and team-based quality improvement initiatives.
*Regular attendance of meetings and timely information sharing with EPI team.
*Adhere to Lakeridge Health policies and procedures (e.g. privacy, informed consent, incident reporting, workplace harassment, inclusion equity and diversity, workplace safety etc.)
*Seek out opportunities for professional growth and development.
*Other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

* Diploma or degree from an accredited college or university in the human services field.
*5 years of experience working with individuals experiencing severe mental illness.
*Must have "lived experience" of mental health challenges (I.e. being a past or present recipient of mental health services.)
* Other combinations of academic training and experience may be considered.
* Additional certification in mental health and/or peer support is considered an asset (E.g. Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP), Peer Support Canada Certification, Addictions and Mental Health Graduate Certificate etc.)
*Previous experience with Navigate EPI model of care considered an asset.
* Must possess a valid Ontario driver's license and access to personal vehicle in good working order. $1 million dollar liability insurance coverage
* Understanding of mental health, addiction and trauma informed care.
* Knowledge of severe and persistent mental illness and the challenges faced by individuals experiencing psychosis.
*An understanding of the Mental Health Act, confidentiality, and the principles of client centred service delivery.
* Knowledge and experience in life skills training, focused problem solving and intervention strategies.
* Experience in the provision of one-to-one and group support, modeling a positive attitude and recovery-based approach.
*Demonstrated reliability (attendance and punctuality), communication skills and ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as a team member.
*Must demonstrate a strong professional manner in working with clients, staff, families, and the public while being open, friendly, approachable, accepting and understanding.
*High-energy, strong attention to detail and confidentiality.
*Ability to work well under pressure.
*Well developed communication, organizational and coordination skills.
*Functional knowledge of crisis intervention and assessment techniques.
* Certification in CPR, or willingness to obtain.
*Demonstrated commitment to our core values of Inclusion, Compassion, Innovation, Teamwork and Joy;
*Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to Lakeridge Health's comprehensive safety programs and practices including staff, patient and environmental safety and participation in regular in-services in this area



At Lakeridge Health, we value inclusion and diversity. We are committed to fostering a culture that is respectful, inclusive, and accessible. We are committed to employing a workforce that is representative of the diverse community we provide services to and welcome applications from all qualified applicants from all backgrounds.

Accommodation will be provided in all parts of the recruitment and assessment process in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require any accommodation at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact recruitment@lh.ca .

Unless specifically stated, all job postings at Lakeridge Health are to fill existing vacancies within our organization. Lakeridge Health may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools as part of the recruitment and screening process. A member of our Talent Acquisition team is actively engaged in the Recruitment and Selection process to ensure a fair and thorough assessment of applicants.

Lakeridge Health thanks all those who apply, however, only candidates considered for an interview will be contacted.


CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

The terms and conditions of employment are in accordance with the Collective Agreement between the Hospital and OPSEU Local 348.

Successful External applicants must provide a satisfactory Criminal Investigation Reference for the vulnerable sector, dated within the past six (6) months.

Lakeridge Health is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment for all team members and patients. New Lakeridge Health team members will be required to complete a Pre-employment Health Assessment as a condition of employment.