Addiction and Mental Health Worker, Peer Support

Woodstock, ON, Canada

Full Time

Mid Level

Addiction and Mental Health Worker, Peer Support - Oxford

Direct Service - (OPSEU)

Full-Time, Contract (Until March 31, 2028)

This posting is the result of a current vacancy

Woodstock, Ontario (Oxford Zone)

- Application Deadline: June 8, 2026 -

We believe that everyone has the right to access supports that will foster growth and allow them to live with dignity, and independence in our community.

Within the mission and philosophy of CMHA TVAMHS and the values of Peer Support Canada, the Peer Support Worker will intentionally utilize their lived experience with mental health and/or addictions to provide formal Peer Support through peer support groups, Thrive Institute initiatives, and some one-on-one engagement, as well as community outreach as needed. The Peer Support Worker will advocate for peer rights and support self-advocacy, assist peers with goal achievement, wellness planning, and build tools to support individual wellbeing. This role will work collaboratively with staff, peers, the community, and other professionals to support and strengthen the wellbeing of individuals served.

This role also involves opportunities for ongoing professional development and continuing education to support the safe and effective delivery of Peer Support and mental health and addictions services.

Consider revitalizing your career and making a difference in your community by joining our team!

WHAT WE'RE OFFERING

• What you'll be making - Starting rate for this role is $27.14 per hour (Level 1 – Direct Service), with a wage differential, based on regulation ( $30.01 per hour for Level 1 – Direct Service, Regulated):
  • Successful candidates who are registered with one of the designated professional colleges (e.g. OCSWSSW, CNO, COTO, CRPO, CPSO, or CPO) will receive the wage differential for regulation
  • Successful external applicants will start at Level 1, with grid progression based on seniority up to Level 8 ($34.41 per hour for non-regulated, and $37.26 per hour for regulated); for internal applicants, grid level placement will occur as per the Collective Agreement
• When you'll work - 70 hours biweekly; 9am to 4:30pm with a 30-minute unpaid lunch.
• Your pension plan –Immediately eligible for optional enrolment in the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)
• What your benefits will be – 9% in lieu of benefits

HOW YOU WILL BE MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide Peer Support Groups, social drop ins, Community Outreach and occasionally 1:1 support.
• Be the Oxford Peer Support staff lead on the implementation and facilitation of Thrive Institute (Recovery College) programs and structure; collaborate with other regional Peer Support colleagues on this endeavor, including virtual co-facilitation when relevant
• Support individuals in creating personal goals for recovery and wellness and creating meaningful lives in their community
• Using wellness approaches to recovery, develop groups that address the Social Determinants of Health to promote optimal health and well-being
• Identify and/or participate in inter- and intra-agency facilitator training opportunities that strengthen the delivery of evidence-based programming in Community, as opportunities are available
• Facilitate programming that encourages the development of self-determination and the empowerment of the peer
• Identify opportunities and partnerships that contribute to the community integration and recovery/wellness journey of peers; contribute to the development of program proposals to support community development initiatives
• Assist with the implementation and operation of hospital-based peer support Transitional Discharge Model (TDM) program, as required.
• Liaise with professionals and with the community for the benefit of peers while adhering to the principle of confidentiality
• Advocate for peer rights and support self-determination
• Provides skill teaching, and support to peers to assist in goal achievement.
• Provide wellness planning and crisis prevention support utilizing Peer Support approaches, including Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP); offer support and direction to peers experiencing a crisis, within scope of Peer Support role
• Assist with mental health and addiction outreach and education
• Ongoing professional skill development/continuing education towards the delivery of mental health and addiction services.
• Build positive relationships with other Peer Support team colleagues and support cohesiveness and positivity for team building
• Actively and meaningfully participate in regular supervision and performance reviews with the program Manager and Coordinator

Direct Service

• Promote empowerment and self-determination of others through non-judgmental listening
• Connect peers to resources in their community
• Meet with individuals to determine support needs and interests
• Plan and facilitate peer support groups
• Develop and evaluate peer programming in collaboration with other Peer Support Coordinators and Manager/Coordinator
• Maintain privacy and confidentiality of individuals
• Maintain statistical records associated with program functions according to agency guidelines
• Complete administrative duties and documentation as required
• Attend CMHA team and staff meetings
• Participate in relevant committee meetings i.e. Direct Service, Ethics Committee
• Carry out the policies and procedures of CMHA TVAMHS as set forth in the Policy and Procedure Manual
• Meet with supervisor for general supervision, performance evaluation and identification of training needs
• Ensure compliance with agency Privacy, Confidentiality, and Code of Ethics policies and procedures, as well as the Peer Support Canada Code of Conduct

Partnership Enhancement

• Build and maintain relationships with community partners that will enable the introduction of intentional peer support into community settings targeting various populations
• Engage, support and provide excellent service to our community partners
• Coordinate Peer Support training for community partners, fellow staff members and Peer Volunteers as applicable

WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO APPLY: Police Vulnerable Sector Check Requirements

Successful candidates must have a Police Vulnerable Sector Check completed in the last six months. Interested applicants who reside in the City of London and are in need of a Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC) are encouraged to apply for one as soon as possible as PVSCs in the City of London are currently taking approximately 5 weeks to be processed and offers of employment cannot be made without receipt of a PVSC.

We require the following qualifications

• Lived experience of mental illness and/or addictions
• Ontario Secondary School Diploma and/or equivalent/related experience (primary proof of credentials will be required during the hiring process i.e. original diploma or official transcript)
• Experience working with individuals living with mental illness and/or addictions/problematic substance use, especially in peer support capacity
• Current, satisfactory Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC)
• Valid Driver’s License and access to a vehicle for personal transportation; regular travel within Oxford County is required. Occasional travel within the Thames Valley region may be required.
• Demonstrated ability to attend work regularly

We prefer the following qualifications

• Completed formal peer support training and education (e.g., Peer Support Canada, Center for Innovation in Peer Support, etc.)
• Current First Aid and CPR Certification
• ASIST certificate
• Previous Peer Support experience, including paid, volunteer, and/or placement positions
• At a place in wellness journey where you are able model wellness to peers; as well as to respond to any personal mental health/addictions concerns as they arise
• Experience facilitating groups or other consultations with a broad range of participants
• Bilingual both official languages, preferred; préférence sera accordée aux candidats qui sont compétents dans les deux langues officielles du Canada

INTERNAL APPLICANTS: To be considered as an internal applicant, current staff members are reminded to apply using their @cmhatv.ca or @slwar.ca email address.

Get your application in by – June 8, 2026

Our recruitment process allows us to learn about your previous work experience, your qualifications and your commitment to fulfilling our vision. While we appreciate the interest of all applicants, only those individuals being considered for a position will be personally contacted by someone from the interview team.

We welcome and encourage applications from all members of our community including persons of any gender, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation, persons with disabilities, Indigenous persons, and members of visible minorities. If you require accommodations related to a disability at any point during the recruitment process, please contact [email protected]

Legal Notifications:

• For legal purposes our full business name is: Canadian Mental Health Association Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services
• Artificial Intelligence is not currently employed in our recruitment processes