Peer Support

Why join CMHA Kenora?
We are a team committed to our vision of mental health support for all. We offer an inclusive, innovative, and high-performance work culture that helps us deliver transformational impact. The organization cares about the growth, safety and well-being of employees and offers:
• Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)
• Comprehensive Health Benefits o Employee & Family Assistance Program
• Paid Vacation Days
• Learning & professional development opportunities

Deadline to apply: October 7th, 2026

Peer Support
Assertive Community Treatment Team

Employer: CMHA Kenora Branch
Job Title: Peer Support

Work Location: Assertive Community Treatment Team
Employment Status: Full-Time, Permanent (Existing Position)

Salary Range: $46,437 - $56, 837 per year

For more information, please visit www.cmhak.on.ca

Overview:
This position requires a consumer/lived experience perspective and awareness of the needs of clients with serious and persistent mental illness. The Peer Support Worker provides nonclinical services, information and referral, emotional support, goal setting and attainment, advocacy, role modeling and interpersonal skills with a focus on empowering clients to make choices related to their life based on self-determination. Well-developed knowledge of local community agencies and services including and especially consumer run organizations is essential. This position reports to the Assertive Community Treatment (ACTT) Team Leader.
Qualifications:
Ability to articulate and represent the perspective of lived experience and client rights
Applied knowledge of the Recovery Model and Philosophy - Peer support workers are uniquely positioned to support individuals in the process of recovery; supporting wellness and assuming individuals with mental illness have much to offer
Training in Peer Support Work (Ex. Core Skills SHH/TEACH, Core Essentials OPDI, training by Centre for Excellence in Peer Support)
Effective strategies to deal with stress
Knowledge of mental health/illness and mental health difficulties
Working knowledge of community resources and agencies
Minimum of 1 year volunteer experience in an official peer support role
Ability to work independently and advocate on behalf of clients
Ability to work across cultural barriers
Computer literacy and recording skills
Ability to adequately access public transportation
Valid Driver’s License
Criminal Records Check
Certification in CPR and First Aid or willingness to obtain same

Duties:
• Adherence to all policies of the CMHA Kenora Branch - Guidelines for decision making may include but are not limited to PHIPA (2004), Workplace Violence and Harassment (Bill 168), Child and Family Services Act
• Assurance of confidentiality of all clients, personnel and organizational records and information
• Assist clients to recognize and develop coping mechanisms to deal with symptoms and social stigma
• Share common experiences with clients and self-awareness
• Educate staff within the team regarding the client’s perspective on the mental health system and assisting the team to maintain a client and family centered approach that maximizes client and family participation and empowerment
• Advocating for development of client initiatives within the community and identifying opportunities for client and family empowerment
• Work collaboratively with clients, co-workers, and the community
• Support client to navigate the health and social service systems and connect to appropriate resources in their community to meet their needs
• May 2019
• Support clients to address problems/issues and find solutions
• Support clients to set their own goals
• Support clients to create a life of their choosing
• Alignment with the Core Values of Peer Support
• Introducing and referring clients to consumer self-help programs and advocacy organizations that promote recovery
• Assist in reducing client isolation and increase client community integration
• Establish rapport with clients, build a relationship on trust, respect, genuineness, and empathy while maintaining clear professional boundaries and sharing lived experience
• Developed decision making skills to take appropriate actions ensuring safety of clients and those around them
• Assessment of client need and mental status; assess the level of need and determine appropriate response; including reporting of client disclosure of harm to self or others
• Client contact Recording
• Participate on specific Committees or task or work groups as assigned by the Supervisor
• Participate in reflective practice supervision
• Provide a safe environment by ensuring adherences to Workplace Health and Safety Regulations and Policies, Infection Control Guidelines, WHIMIS and Safe Work Procedures; including but not limited to Fire, Disaster and Evacuation Plans
• Supports an environment which avoids, prevents, and corrects all activities or actions which may result in an adverse outcome in the delivery of mental health services
• Responsible for self care
• Other duties as directed

How to Apply:

Please submit your cover letter and resume by visiting our careers page at https://cmhak.on.ca/get-involved/careers/

The Canadian Mental Health Association, Kenora Branch welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities.
Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.