Job Description

How to Apply

Submit the following documents as part of your application:

Resume Cover Letter (Include a statement of interest and your suitability for the role). Please indicate whether you identify as a person with lived experience. Lived experience may include your own mental health or substance use health challenges, or supporting a family member who lives with these challenges.
Please include the questions from the Job Application Screening Form below.

Applications will only be accepted via:

Email:

hr@nisa.on.ca

Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Deadline:

January 23, 2026, by 4pm

Wage Line:

Step 1:

$21.68 to

Step 5:

$25.68

Organizational Overview

NISA/Northern Initiative for Social Action is a peer-led organization run by and for people with lived experience of mental health and substance use health challenges, which may include one's own direct experiences or supporting a family member living with these challenges. Our mission is to develop life skills, nurture self-confidence, and provide resources for recovery by creating opportunities for members to contribute to their own well-being and that of their community. NISA is strongly committed to employment equity and encourages all qualified applicants to apply.

Position Summary

The Reception and Client Support Worker fosters, a friendly and welcoming environment, ensuring that new, returning, and existing clients can easily access NISA's services. Reporting to the Operations Manager, the Reception and Client Support Worker is responsible for tracking attendance in EMHWARE, updating client records as needed, and scheduling appointments with the appropriate staff to support client integration into the organization. In addition, the Reception/Client Support Worker will provide support to the In-House Program in relation to providing peer support to clients attending NISA.

Duties and Responsibilities

Core Duties (apply to all peer support positions):

Provide one-to-one peer support Facilitate or co-facilitate groups and activities. Assist individuals with system navigation and accessing community resources. Support individualized goals and encourage self-advocacy. Maintain accurate documentation, including activity notes and reports. Work collaboratively with peers, staff, and community partners. Promote NISA's mission, vision, and values in all interactions. Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and training opportunities.

Role-Specific Duties

Provides front desk support to clients and clients interested in participating in NISA programs.

The Peer Support Worker will:

Support clients with registration into NISA programs. Record attendance and update EMHWARE records accurately and promptly. Schedule appointments with appropriate staff for client or facility tours. Assist with and actively participate in monthly NISA meetings. Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations at all times.

Provide Peer Support to clients':

The Peer Support Worker will:

Provide Peer Support toclients attending NISA's main site. Assist with co-facilitation of groups as necessary. Foster a welcoming environment and maintain supportive relationships with clients, the public and colleagues. Respect and uphold a recovery-based philosophy, including each client's right to self-determination and autonomy.

Ensures all file management and reporting functions are maintained in a comprehensive and timely manner to fulfill the program and agency's legal and professional requirements.

The Peer Support Worker will:

Complete NISA's staff activity summaries and individual activity notes utilizing data entry program. Ensure that monthly, annual and other required reporting documentation is completed. Use the approved notes, templates and procedures to communicate with management. Participating in regular meetings with the NISA Operations Manager.

Takes responsibility for decision-making and accountability within the role:

The Peer Support Worker will be required to make decisions on the following:

Appropriate action to ensure safety of all clients. Requests to share health information. Concerns regarding the well-being of any client. Self-manage workload and workflow.
The Guidelines used for decision-making may include but are not limited to: NISA Policy & Procedures, NISA Core Values of Peer Support, Mental Health Act, Personal Health Information Privacy Act (PHIPA), the Peer Support Employment Training Manual (NISA), the Guidelines for Recovery-Oriented Practice and the Guidelines for the Practice and Training of Peer Support.

Maintains up-to-date knowledge of the Mental Health Act and related legislation, the structure and personnel of local social agencies, government departments and trends and developments in the community that could affect the provision of mental health and substance use health services. Represents program and agency in a professional manner.

Qualifications

Required (for all peer roles):

Lived experience of mental health and/or substance use challenges, which may include one's own direct experiences or supporting a family member living with these challenges. Diploma/degree in a related social services or health field (e.g., Social Service Worker, Child and Youth Worker, Social Work, Psychology, Humanities, or Social Sciences), or equivalent experience. Strong interpersonal, communication, and advocacy skills. Ability to work collaboratively and independently.

Preferred:

Peer Support Training/Certification Completion of WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan), ASIST, First Aid/CPR, WHMIS, NVCI. Knowledge of community mental health and substance use health resources. Computer proficiency (Word, Excel, Email/Internet). Bilingualism (English/French) is an asset.

Commitment to Professional Development

NISA is deeply committed to continuous learning and personal growth for all staff. Peer Support Workers are expected to participate in ongoing training, reflective practice, and mentorship to strengthen both personal wellness and professional skills. Development opportunities include WRAP and ASIST certification, peer-based learning sessions, skills workshops, and collaborative check-ins with the Program Manager and Program and Staff Development Lead. NISA supports learning that enhances trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, and culturally safe peer support practice.

Equity and Accessibility

NISA is strongly committed to employment equity and reviews each applicant without discrimination due to race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, record of offences, marital status, family status, or disability. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all stages of the selection process.

Job Application Screening Form

Please complete and attach this form to your application.

Name: _____________________ Date: _______________

Educational Preparation

:

Do you have Peer Support Worker Training? Yes/No Do you have a diploma, degree, or equivalent in health or related discipline? Yes/No Have you completed WRAP? Yes/No Have you completed ASIST? Yes/No

Language Capacities:

Are you bilingual (English/French)? Yes/No Do you speak another language? Yes/No - If yes, specify: ____________

Experience and Knowledge:

Do you have lived experience of mental health and/or substance use challenges, either through your own direct experiences or through supporting a family member living with these challenges? Yes/No Do you have experience working as a peer support worker? Yes/No Do you have experience working with people in crisis? Yes/No Are you knowledgeable of mental health and substance use health community resources in Northeastern Ontario? Yes/No Do you have knowledge of Peer Support practice? Yes/No Are you knowledgeable of relevant legislation (e.g., Mental Health Act,)? Yes/No Do you have experience advocating for individuals within Mental Health, Criminal Justice, or Social Services? Yes/No Are you able to work flexible hours (evenings/weekends)? Yes/No Do you have a non-judgmental attitude toward diverse lived experiences? Yes/No
Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From $21.68 per hour

Benefits:

Dental care Extended health care Flexible schedule Life insurance
Application question(s):

Do you have Peer Support Worker Training? Do you have a diploma, degree, or equivalent in health or related discipline? Have you completed WRAP? Have you completed ASIST? Are you bilingual (English/French)? Do you speak another language? Do you have lived experience of mental health and/or substance use challenges, either through your own direct experiences or through supporting a family member living with these challenges? Do you have experience working as a peer support worker? Do you have experience working with people in crisis? Are you knowledgeable of mental health and substance use health community resources in Northeastern Ontario? Do you have knowledge of Peer Support practice? Are you knowledgeable of relevant legislation (e.g., Mental Health Act)? Do you have experience advocating for individuals within Mental Health, Criminal Justice, or Social Services? Are you able to work flexible hours (evenings/weekends)? Do you have a non-judgmental attitude toward diverse lived experiences?
Work Location: In person