Peer Support Worker - INTREPID Lab

Through its core values ofCourage Respect and Excellence CAMH is implementing its Strategic Plan:Connected CAMHto transform lives ignite innovation and discovery revolutionize education and drive social change. CAMH is more than a hospital it is a cause. CAMH is on a mission to change the way society thinks about and responds to mental illness. They aim to eliminate prejudice and discrimination and shape a world where mental illness is central to our healthcare system a world where Mental HealthisHealth.

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Join in CAMHs dynamic Youth-VAST teama provincial early intervention and brief treatment program for youth aged 1221 experiencing challenges related to vaping alcohol substance use and technology dependence. Youth-VAST operates within an integrated clinical model that brings together expertise from the INTREPID Lab Child Youth and Emerging Adult Programs and Acute Care Addictions Program.

We are currently seeking a full-time contract (until August 31 2026) Peer Support Worker to join our collaborative interdisciplinary team. This is a unique and meaningful opportunity to support young people and their caregivers by using your lived/living experience to build motivation promote recovery and guide system navigation.

Job Description

As a Peer Support Worker you will play a central role in youth engagement advocacy and care navigation. You will contribute to both individual and group programming as well as participate in outreach initiatives across Ontario. The ideal candidate brings lived experience with mental health and/or substance use challenges and a passion for connecting with youth through mutual understanding and respect.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build therapeutic and motivational relationships with youth aged 1221 using your lived/living experience to foster trust and engagement.
• Provide individual peer support and co-facilitate therapeutic and educational group programming.
• Collaborate with youth to identify goals and support recovery-oriented care planning.
• Act as a coach liaison and advocate supporting youth to navigate services and access community resources of their choosing.
• Conduct community outreach and participate in the promotion of the Youth-VAST program.
• Partner with youth as a shared learner not as a helper therapist or treatment provider.
• Work within a recovery model framework promoting hope empowerment and self-determination.

As part of the team you will be expected to contribute to program development research and educational activities of the service. You will provide services reflective of the diverse needs of the clients and their families. You will support a workplace that embraces diversity encourages teamwork and complies with all applicable and regulatory requirements. You will demonstrate a commitment to accountability: critical thinking reflective practice and continuous learning. You may also be required to perform other related duties as needed and work flexible hours. This position is located at CAMHs 1025 Queen Street West site and in community settings. This role may require occasional evening and weekend hours.

The successful candidate in this role will have lived/living experience with mental health and/or substance use challenges which may include experience as a recipient of mental health and/or substance use services. The successful candidate will have 1-2 years experience in a similar role supporting/connecting with youth. Participation in training on Peer Support/Recovery knowledge of Wellness Recovery Action Planning and experience belonging to groups agencies or organizations related to peer support consumer survivor initiatives would be an asset. A strong understanding of the psychiatric consumer/survivor community and familiarity with the youth mental health and substance use field is preferred.

You possess excellent organizational time management communication and interpersonal skills enabling you to work within a collaborative and diverse interprofessional team. Effective leadership decision-making and problem solving skills are required. Your skills will include the ability to be flexible self-reflective and supportive. You demonstrate an ability to relate to young people accessing services from a peer perspective as well as communicate to a health care team with an understanding of the value of peer support and the experience of young people navigating mental health and/or substance use challenges. Having the ability to work effectively as a team member in a dynamic and a fast-paced multidisciplinary environment is essential. You will have skills in providing services reflective of the needs of the clients and their families. You will demonstrate self-awareness and purposeful self-disclosure be familiar with relevant legislation including the Mental Health Act and the CAMH Bill of Client Rights. You will value diversity and will demonstrate awareness of diversity and equity issues and working from an anti-oppressive and trauma-informed lens.

Proven experience in facilitating groups or other consultations with a broad range of participants is considered an asset. Experience in supporting safe and meaningful participation and being open to diverse ways of thinking about understanding and articulating issues related to mental health and substance use is an asset.

You will possess knowledge of community resources and navigating the youth mental health and substance use system. A high degree of familiarity with MS Office and e-mail as well as the willingness to learn new computer programs are required; your role will include documentation on the computer. Experience working with clients staff and organizations of diverse backgrounds are required. Bilingualism or the ability to speak a second language is considered an asset. Training and supervision will be provided for this position.