Job Description

Peer Support Specialist -

Early Psychosis Intervention (Full-Time Contract)

The Role and Opportunity

The Canadian Mental Health Association is looking for a Peer Support Worker for the Early Psychosis Intervention program. This position involves working in a multidisciplinary team and will be based out of our Lawrence Avenue West location or community partner location. This role is part of a dynamic, multidisciplinary team and will be based at our Lawrence Avenue West location or a designated community partner site. Our Early Psychosis Intervention program serves young adults aged 16-34 who have experienced a first episode of psychosis, along with their families. Services are provided within a Coordinated Specialty Care for Psychosis Model to promote recovery, resiliency, and life skills development, helping young people stay on track with education and employment goals.


Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is the most established and extensive community mental health organization in Canada. We identify and respond to Canada's most pressing mental health priorities. At the national level, we push for nationwide system and policy change. At the community level, millions of people in Canada rely on CMHA's extensive grassroots presence. Since 1918, CMHA has grown to provide mental health services and supports across Canada in over 330 communities. CMHA Toronto was, established in 1953. CMHA Toronto proudly provides services to over 10,000 clients per year, in 31 programs at 13 locations across the City of Toronto. Our services are delivered by a passionate and diverse team. Join us in providing high quality mental health and addictions services, advocating for a better mental health system, and providing education and mental health supports to clients across Toronto.

Salary:

$54,943 - $58,401

Hours:

35 hours a week

Contract End Date:

March 31st, 2026

RESPONSIBILITIES

Work as a member of a diverse interdisciplinary team to support individuals experiencing a primary psychotic disorder, often their first episode of psychosis. Utilize lived experience of mental health and/or addiction challenges to provide hope, understanding, and practical support while maintaining healthy boundaries. Engage in one-to-one support with clients to promote self-determination, empowerment, and recovery-oriented goals. Facilitate and coordinate peer-driven, recovery-oriented groups based on the principles of peer support and person-centered care. Provide community-based support, including skill teaching, supportive counseling, crisis intervention, health monitoring, and linking clients to resources. Assist clients with community integration by connecting them to housing, educational, vocational, and social supports. Liaise with community providers, family members, and other stakeholders to ensure coordinated care and smooth transitions. Advocate for clients and help them develop self-management skills to navigate stigma and promote inclusion. Maintain accurate documentation in accordance with organizational policies and contribute to program development, quality improvement, and educational initiatives. Demonstrate ethical and professional conduct consistent with peer support practice guidelines and recovery principles.

SKILLS YOU BRING

Lived experience of mental health and/or addiction services; experience with a primary psychotic disorder is strongly preferred. Certification in Peer Support Training from a recognized provider and/or relevant education (e.g., Social Service Worker Diploma, Psychosocial Rehabilitation Certificate) is an asset. Practical understanding of recovery principles, psychosocial rehabilitation, and peer support values such as hope, empowerment, and self-determination. Ability to work from an anti-oppressive, non-judgmental, and culturally competent framework. Strong communication, listening, and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage effectively with youth and adults. Experience working collaboratively in team environments and with diverse communities. Basic counseling and crisis intervention skills, with the ability to respond to changing priorities. Knowledge of mental health, addiction, and social service systems, including community resources for housing, education, and employment. Comfort sharing lived experience in a way that inspires hope and supports recovery. Excellent organizational, time management, and documentation skills; computer literacy and willingness to learn new systems. Fluency in a second language is an asset.

WHY CHOOSE CMHA TORONTO?

If you care about mental illness and mental health and you have the right skills, then CMHA Toronto may be the place for you. We have a positive and fair workplace culture, where staff are provided with opportunities for learning and advancement. We are also big believers in wellness and work-life balance. Our benefits include:

Health Care of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP), a predictable, secure monthly income upon retirement Work-life balance and flexibility - to ensure you have time for the things that matter to you Work with like-minded, passionate individuals and make an impact on mental health service delivery Build genuine and authentic connections, with colleagues and clients, with the goal of making a difference


CMHA Toronto is committed to promoting a workplace culture of inclusion, openness, mutual respect, and a 'no blame and accountable' environment. Our staff report that they value the flexibility in work schedules and the work-life balance CMHA Toronto encourages. They appreciate the training and development opportunities provided to staff and the encouragement for continuous learning. Staff often comment on the sense of family and personal support that exists throughout the organization.

CMHA Toronto is committed to our workforce reflecting the diversity of the communities within which we work and is an eq(ual opportunity employer. As such we encourage applications from individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQQIA+, and/or those with lived or living experience of mental health and addictions challenges. If you are contacted for an interview, please advise prior to the interview if you require any accommodation.

To be eligible for this role, candidates will be required to adhere to our COVID-19 policy and provide proof of vaccination.

CMHA Toronto thanks all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.