Post Secondary Placement Student - Outreach

We are looking for two(2) post-secondary placement students to join our Outreach Team! The placement students will work with our Outreach Team to support individuals in accordance with the Housing First philosophy of immediate access to permanent housing with no readiness requirements, consumer choice and self-determination, recovery orientation, individualized and client driven supports, and social/community integration.

The placement is unpaid and will be up to four (4) months long and for students looking to complete preferably 300 or more placement hours, beginning in Fall 2026. This placement has shifts Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm, but there is flexibility for the students to work 12-hour shifts, shadowing Outreach Workers, if they wish. All placement hours would be scheduled in consultation with the incumbent students.

Status

Unpaid Post-Secondary Student Placements, hours per week (dependent on student schedule and supervisor or preceptor); Note, this posting is for an active vacancy.

Salary: Unpaid placement

Location

60 West Drive, Brampton. Due to the nature of this program, this role is on-site and/or community based.

What You Will Do

Build client capacity, empowerment and create self-reliance. Develop and initiate relationships with prospective clients based on trust, respect, and honesty. Aid with securing/matching appropriate affordable housing for those who are homeless or at risk in the Region of Peel. Work with Outreach team to support the transition of persons into housing utilizing a Critical Time Intervention Approach to Housing-Based Street Outreach. Set short and long-term goals with persons involved and create and document support plans to reach those goals. Make additional referrals as appropriate. Conduct Case Conferencing with support system of persons involved in the program. Make minimum of one weekly community/home visit (alongside Outreach staff) with unsheltered or those at risk of homelessness to offer support, connect to resources, etc. As appropriate, work with Region of Peel Housing Stability Workers to support life skills teaching to help build Client capacity to maintain housing, especially focusing on tenancy skills and knowledge. Support the overall operation of the Street Outreach and Street Helpline responses.

This posting description indicates the key responsibilities and core functions of the position. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities.

What You Need to Join Our Team

Current university or college student in social work/social services, nursing, mental health and addictions or an equivalent program Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively with management and front-line staff Well-developed and demonstrated knowledge of mental health, mental illness, stress management, anti-stigma, workplace wellness, mental health system issues and health promotion principles (Knowledge of concurrent disorder, addictions, and dual diagnosis would be an asset) Knowledge of trauma-informed care and how to apply it during client interactions in order to deliver holistic patient care Some evenings required and an ability to travel within Peel Region from time to time Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to approach, listen, build trust, and communicate across diverse cultures and intersectionality. Willingness to continually improve understanding around cultural competence. Openness to operate from an anti-racist, anti-oppressive, 2SLGBTQ+ affirming and intersectional framework. Willingness to learn and apply practical understanding of different elements of diversity, such as gender identity/expression, race/cultural background, religion, sexual orientation, disability, immigration and precarious status, family status, etc. Fluency in a second language, including ASL (American Sign Language) is considered an asset. Valid Canadian driver's license, relevant insurance and access to a reliable vehicle A satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Screening (Police Check) report.

Deadline to Apply: Open until filled

At the Canadian Mental Health Association – Peel Dufferin Branch, we provide a wide array of community services, resources, and care for people with mental illness. In your role, you’ll not only assist people who are struggling, you’ll help them return to good health and reintegrate into the community. In everything we do, we work together to make the world a better place – one person at a time.

Apply Now and EMPOWER your career!

CMHA Peel Dufferin strives to be an equitable employer. We are committed to supporting inclusive recruitment and selection processes, work environments and a qualified workforce reflective of the diverse populations we serve. We acknowledge that removing existing barriers and preventing new barriers is required to foster dignity and independence for people of all ages, genders, cultures, and abilities. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including but not limited to, First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and Urban Indigenous (FNIMUI) populations, ethno-racial communities, people with disabilities, *2SLGBTQIA+ communities, women and gender diverse people, low-income communities, and all equity-deserving groups.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Recruitment To streamline our recruitment process, we utilize an applicant tracking system (ATS) to manage and organize applications. While the ATS aids in efficiency, the essential review and evaluation of candidates is carried out by members of our People and Culture team. This approach ensures a personalized assessment that allows us to gain a comprehensive view of a candidate’s experience, skills and potential. AI is not used to make any decisions in our recruitment process.

Next Steps We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. We retain all applications submitted for one (1) year after the closing date of the posting for consideration in future career opportunities.