Job Description

Job Title:

Peer Support Worker

Duration:

Part-time Contract ending March 31st, 2026 with possibility of extension

Location:

Niagara Region/Hamilton Health Sciences

Hours of work:

21 hours/week, with evening work as required

Hourly Rate:

$20.99 - $25.06 per hour

Reports to:

Director of Youth Services

Posting Date:

Thursday August 28th, 2025

Closing Date:

Thursday September 4th at 4:00 pm

Application Process: Please include a cover letter and resume

Position Summary

The Peer Support Worker will work collaboratively with CASON's youth team and the Hamilton Health Sciences team to facilitate and support clients throughout their recovery process. The Peer Support Worker will utilize their lived experience of addiction challenges along with additional knowledge, skills and formal training to provide support for clients. The purpose of incorporating lived experience as a non-clinical recovery-based approach is to compliment the medical model of mental health and addiction care, and provide the connection and understanding of having experienced a similar situation and hope for recovery.

Qualifications

Identify as someone with lived experience in with mental health and/or substance abuse challenges Youth/young adult (aged 18-29) Certificate training in Ontario Peer Development Initiative (OPDI) is an asset Volunteer experience in a similar agency is considered an asset General knowledge of computer applications, such as; Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat Sufficient communication skills; both verbal and written Person-centered advocacy skills are an asset Awareness of and sensitivity to the health issues of the community Current criminal record check for vulnerable sector Current First Aid and CPR certification Valid Driver's license and insurance.

Skills & Abilities

Comfortable sharing personal stories/experiences in respect to lived experience Ability to prioritize self-care Comfortable speaking with people of all ages and socioeconomic status Willingness to learn and open to new experiences Interested in on-going professional development Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution skills Demonstrate confidence in decision-making and in building relationships Ability to meet and engage participants "where they are at"

Details of Position/Hours of Work

Regular work week is 21 hours/week, with evening and weekend contact with clients as needed, along with a flexible schedule that is responsive to client's needs.

Services will be provided in office, at McMaster Children's hospital, the client's home or at locations in the community convenient for the client.

The rate of pay will be $20.99-$25.06 per hour

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Peer Support

Knowledge of the Mental Health Commission of Canada's vision of peer support and best practices Collaborate and work alongside youth team counsellors and Hamilton Health science's team to ensure integration of services Work with clients participating in our Peer Support Program both on a one-on-one basis and/or in a group setting Mentor and create a relationship based on trust with clients participating in the program Supporting clients in identifying their needs and goal planning Share personal experiences/stories when appropriate Assist in self-esteem building activities with clients Provide information on self-help, recovery/wellness, crisis planning and prevention and empowerment tools as requested by the client Help to link individuals to broader social networks as well as service supports Function as a positive role model, practicing good self-care strategies and effective coping techniques. Able and willing to practice and promote harm reduction practices and anti-oppression practice

2. Team and Organization Responsibilities

Commitment to CASON organizational policies, culture, missions, visions and values when providing services Participates in agency work delegated to committees related to staff development, program planning, social activities, community information, etc. Participates in public education, placement student mentoring, professional development activities, program development, planning groups, etc., as appropriate or assigned. Build and maintain relationships with community supports, agencies and/or workers Identify and escalate any gaps in services to the Director of Youth Services Collect and integrate feedback of youth into services Attend staff meetings and staff training as required Maintain confidentiality of all participant and agency information Perform other duties as needed

Application Process: Please include a cover letter and resume

Community Addiction Services of Niagara is an equal opportunity employer who welcomes and encourages applications from Niagara and surrounding communities. All applications from qualified individuals of all ages, gender identities, cultural, racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds, sexual orientations and abilities are welcomed and encouraged. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, barrier-free and accessible environment. CASON aims to dedicate resources to develop, honour and support all staff within their programs, especially those who experience multiple and intersectional forms of oppression.

If you have been contacted for an interview and require accommodation to ensure equal participation, please advise us what you may require in respect to materials or processes to ensure we can meet your needs.

Job Types: Part-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 6 months

Pay: $20.99-$25.06 per hour

Benefits:

Casual dress Flexible schedule Mileage reimbursement Paid time off
Application question(s):

Do you identify as someone with lived experience with addiction and/or mental health challenges? Do you have experience working/volunteering with individuals struggling with addiction concerns? Are you able to drive to Hamilton twice a week?
Work Location: In person