Canadian Mental Health Association-Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge·Dysart et al, Ontario
Provide community-based, client-centered peer support and services for 2SLGBTQ+ and gender-diverse youth aged 12-25. Assist with program coordination, intake assessments, and facilitating referrals to community resources to improve youth wellness.
Under the direction of the Youth Wellness Hub Manager and CMHA HKPR Manager of Peer Support Services and in partnership with Point in Time, Centre For Children Youth and Parents, Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario and the Enhancing Health Equity in IYS (Youth Mental Health Fund) and PARN, the Peer Specialist is responsible for providing supports and services for 2SLGBTQ+ and gender diverse youth (12-25), to assist them to improve the quality of their lives through the provision of community-based, client centered care that supports positive interdependence.
Peer support is founded upon the principle that people who have life experiences in common have something to offer each other which cannot be provided by others. This approach assumes that people with lived experience as a transgender or gender-diverse person, and who also may have experience living with a mental health concern, can better understand, relate to and support individuals with similar experiences. This unique support and understanding is known to improve the health and wellbeing of people within this population.
Alongside a coordinated service team, the Peer Specialist will assist with program coordination and facilitation and will work to create a safe and accepting environment for youth (12-25) with a special emphasis on the 2SLGBTQ + community. Supports and services provided at the Youth Hub include, but are not limited to, mental health, addictions, employment, housing, primary care and outreach.
We recognize that equitable access to employment is an agent in social change. We welcome and strongly encourage employment of persons with lived experiences, economic challenges, from First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, culturally and ethnically diverse all genders and sexual orientation.
Promote positive and supportive attitudes toward transgender and gender diverse people who may also have mental health concerns. Complete screening and intake assessments, engaging new clients to participate in services. Assist in the planning and implementation of services and support that will positively impact a person’s wellness. Facilitate referrals as necessary to identify community resources. Provide one on one or group peer support at the Hub and in community. Build connections to other peer led programming in the community Plan and facilitate activities at the Hub and in the community. Program set up, implementation and clean up. Refer any youth in need of crisis, mental health, or other core service supports to clinical staff or Care Coordinator. Work in conjunction with CMHA Peer staff and Point in Time Hub Staff to provide support to the identified population as needed. Co-lead programs in person or virtually. Provide transportation for youth. Contribute to regular cleaning and maintenance services of the vehicle. Contribute to regular cleaning and organizing of Hub space. Work with the Network Lead and Network Partner to meaningfully engage youth that can reflect the perspective of the priority youth populations contribute to the development, delivery, and evaluation of the project – through a combination of lower and higher- commitment engagement opportunities (e.g., youth advisory councils, focus groups, town halls, or other community events. Work alongside Point in Time Hub staff to welcome new youth and help them navigate services. Explain the online registration (My Wellness Passport) process and provide assistance if appropriate. Other duties as they arise
Additional Requirements Can work variable hours that include evenings, weekends and weekdays depending on work demands Must be able to participate in team meetings, supervision and training sessions as required Ability to work respectfully and collaboratively with other staff teams and abide by Youth Hub policies Complete all required documentation and statistical activities for Point in Time, Centre For Children Youth and Parents, Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario and CMHA HKPR. Accurate and timely completion of all other administrative documentation including time sheets, expense claims, vacation and time-off requests, and training requests. Accurate and timely completion of progress notes, as per agency policy, on client record, in conjunction with data collection processes and organizational standards.
Accountability The Peer Specialist understands the vision, mission, goals and objectives of the Agency Is accountable to parents/caregiver/ family/ child/ youth Is accountable to the Youth Hub team and supervisors. Always maintains an up-to-date calendar and can easily contact or be contacted when out of the office. Maintains strict confidentiality regarding client information Maintains a positive working relationship with all staff Health and Safety Maintains a safe work environment by: Being aware of both agencies safety policies and procedures and flagging hazards when encountered Consistently using safe work practices Ensuring that the work area is tidy and free of safety hazards Storing all equipment, supplies and disposing of any materials in a safe manner Complying with all safety regulations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act Complying with Personal Health Information Privacy Act (PHIPA) Informs appropriate person of safety/risk concerns
Mental Effort Frequent visual concentration (working on computer, reading, researching material) Frequent intense listening concentration (client assessments/interviews/sessions) Dealing with clients in crisis, conflicts between families/parents/caregivers and other service providers Emotional effort addressing serious social/emotional/behavioral issues Physical Effort Staff may be required to: Sit, stand, walk, bend, twist, crouch, lift, push, move pieces of equipment of various sizes and weight Carry and use tools and equipment (video camera, projector, communication devices, printers, toys/activity equipment, computer, fax, TV/DVD) Work environment and conditions Remote work available if needed and upon approval by Hub Manager Work directly with individuals living with mental health concerns, dual diagnosis and/or addictions, individuals who are experiencing emotional and/or mental health issues and are working towards recovery There are multiple competing demands which require time management skills, the ability to be flexible and to prioritize Some evening and weekend shifts will be required Working directly with clients can expose staff to risks of physical injury, violence, psychological/emotional injury and infections. All staff are expected to take all precautions to ensure their safety and to reach out to hub staff for support as required. Some lifting for room set-up is required. Some cleaning is required
As part of our recruitment process, we may use artificial intelligence tools to support or assist the review of applications. These tools may help us identify candidates whose qualifications best match job requirements.
Requires lived experience with the 2SLGBTQ+ population and at least one year of experience providing gender-diverse specific support. Must possess a G license, First Aid training, and a valid police/vulnerable sector check.
Market context
In Ontario, behavioral-health roles are typically driven by ongoing need in community, outpatient, and support settings serving people with mental health or substance use challenges. These positions can be competitive because employers often look for experience with diverse populations plus a high school diploma or GED, with a bachelor’s in social work or a related field preferred. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then tailor your application to show relevant client-facing experience and readiness to work with varied needs.
2SLGBTQ+ Peer Specialist
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