Peer Support Worker, Youth Wellness Hubs

ABOUT US

Strides Toronto is a multi-service agency providing a wide range of exceptional programs and services that improve the mental, social and physical health of infants, children and youth from the pre-natal stage to age 29, and their families. With a range of community, residential and treatment services, we build strength and resilience through equitable, accessible, client-driven services, system leadership and advocacy. We provide individual, group and family interventions that include mental health counselling, autism services, education, outreach and referral, early intervention, day treatment and community support. In its Lead Agency role, Strides Toronto collaborates with 23 publicly funded infant, child and youth mental health (ICYMH) core service providers to design and implement system-level improvements that promote access, responsive service delivery and experience, and positive mental health outcomes for young people and families across Toronto's diverse communities. To learn more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to visit our website at www.stridestoronto.ca

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Peer Support Worker is a permanent full-time position that provides a range of outreach, prevention and intervention services to youth/ young adults who are experiencing challenges with mental health and addictions. Participate in outreach through workshop delivery and initiate contact with socially isolated youth, encourage their participation in YWHO site activities and follow-up with individuals who stop attending programs.

Salary range: $43,984.00 to $51,220.00 per annum

Benefits: Competitive Group Health Benefits, Defined Contribution Pension plan.

This position is represented by OPSEU local 567.

This is a full-time permanent role.

WHY JOIN OUR TEAM?

• We provide a hybrid work model and competitive Group Health Benefits and Pension Plan.
• We provide opportunities for growth and professional development.
• We are committed to providing an equitable and inclusive environment where our diverse team members and clients can thrive.
• We have a collaborative and supportive Senior Management Team.
• We set high standards for performance, client outcomes, and implement best practices, which are demonstrated through our accreditation with the Canadian Centre for Accreditation.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Work collaboratively with the YWHO core team to provide support to youth/ young adults as it relates to mental health and addictions.
• Participate in presentations to schools and community service organizations.
• Speak about lived experience as it relates to addictions and mental health on an individual basis or in a group setting.
• Develop promotional materials and workshops materials for peer support group.
• Engage in professional development activities and record accurate client information that is reflective of policy, accreditation, and ministry standards.
• Assist with program evaluation activities and support the development of program reviews as required.

THE “MUST HAVES”

The following education, professional memberships and knowledge are a requirement for this role:

• Commitment to harm reduction.
• Lived experience or awareness with addictions and/ or mental health (awareness includes employment, volunteer or lived experience in these areas).
• Knowledge of community services and resources available to youth in the areas of mental health, employment, education, housing, addiction and other areas.

THE ‘NICE TO HAVES’

While not required, preference will be given to candidates with the following:

• Fluency in another language(s), including sign language.
• Awareness of the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and within the community being served by the position.
• An understanding of Anti-Black Racism, anti-oppressive/anti-racism perspective in the context of the social determinants of health when working with clients and their families.
• Ability to recognize and identify situations where incidents of and imbalance of power and privilege may occur and can result in possible negative impacts for the client.

BEFORE STARTING WITH US

As our work puts us in direct contact with youth and vulnerable persons in our community, with health and safety as a priority, the successful candidate must complete or obtain the following before commencement of their employment:

• A Vulnerable Sector police check.
• A positive police check does not automatically disqualify an applicant for a position with Strides Toronto. The Police Check will be reviewed and evaluated for the purpose of making a decision on suitability for employment in relation to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position being filled.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit a cover letter and resume outlining your demonstrated education, certification (if applicable), working and related volunteer experience and how you meet specific requirements for this position, and any additional considerations you deem appropriate. The application deadline is August 7, 2024.

Strides Toronto is an equal opportunity employer. We benefit from diversity of lived experiences in the workplace and encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Strides Toronto is a participant in the Government of Canada’s 50-30 Challenge, a program which challenges organizations to improve access for women and/or non-binary people and other equity-deserving groups, including those identifying as: racialized, Black, and/or people of colour, people with disabilities (including invisible and episodic disabilities), 2SLGBTQ and/or gender and sexually diverse individuals, and Aboriginal and/or Indigenous Peoples to increase the representation and inclusion of diverse groups within their workplace.

In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and Strides Toronto’s own policies, requests for accommodation will be considered throughout the hiring process.

We thank all applicants however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.