PEER SUPPORT LEAD

WHO IS A PEER SUPPORT LEAD WITH CMHA KELOWNA?

CMHA Kelowna is a community and regional leader in peer support service delivery and development of policy, practice, training and tools. Building from this strong foundation, the Peer Lead is responsible for the delivery of Peer Support Programming, Peer & Practice School and the ongoing growth and enhancement of peer empowerment, engagement and support within CMHA Kelowna & district. The Peer Lead promotes the principles of peer support which guide all CMHA Kelowna Wellness Programs:

• • Hope and recovery
  • Self-determination and equality
  • Empathic and equal relationships
  • Dignity, respect and social inclusion
  • Integrity, authenticity, and trust
  • Health and wellness
  • Lifelong learning and personal growth

This role offers 35 hours per week, including occasional evening and weekend courses

WHAT IS A PEER SUPPORT LEAD RESPONSIBLE FOR?

• Work closely with the Wellness Development Centre and the Discovery College Lead to support the integration of peer support within the Wellness Development Centre and Discovery College
• Seek opportunities to strengthen, grow and enhance peer support, empowerment and engagement within CMHA Kelowna (e.g. Foundry, supportive housing programs, homelessness services) and within the Central Okanagan district
• Coordinate and facilitate the Peer & Practice School:
  • Promote & Recruit 3 targeted streams:
    • individuals with lived experience
    • loved ones: parent/family/friend
    • helping professionals
  • Arrange training schedule, space, registration
  • Deliver training and book guest facilitators
  • Assess readiness/fit to continue as Peer Supporter volunteers
  • Facilitate orientation of new volunteers
  • Coordinate practicum opportunities
  • Organize graduation
• Co-production and creation of new courses
• Facilitate courses within Discovery College, and other community settings needing mental health education and training
• Enhance volunteer Peer Supporter personal empowerment and growth, leadership skills, positive interpersonal relationships and communication through activities, workshops, ongoing communication and other strategic approaches
• Stay informed and maintain contact with key community supports and services for Peer Supporter volunteers and peers to ensure quality care on an as needed basis
• Promote peer support, the Peer Support Program and Peer & Practice School within the community and market for participant involvement
• Stay attuned to peer support advancements, research, policy, innovation and promising practices locally, provincially, nationally and globally
• Support with other education initiatives including internal training, creation of Learning Moments, and the What Really Works Podcast
• Assist with Wellness Development activities
• Comfortable working online and in-person
• Measure and report program performance of Peer & Practice School and Peer Support Program and ensure continual improvement
  • Collect and record data (quantitative and qualitative)
  • Prepare a variety of reports including quarterly, biannual, annual and impact reports

YOUR STRENGTHS & EXPERIENCE:

• Diploma/Degree in Human/Social Services plus two (2) years’ recent related experience working with individuals with mental health and substance use issues/or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience
• Knowledge of the principles of recovery and willingness to share their own personal recovery journey
• Knowledge of peer-run programs and understanding of the value of peer/client involvement
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations and to recognize and respond appropriately to the needs of peers and consumers
• Demonstrated ability to plan, coordinate and co-lead training sessions
• Skilled in facilitation and public speaking
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a member of a team
• Ability to problem-solve and take initiative
• Ability to deal with others effectively and resolve conflict
• Lived/living experience with mental illness/substance use and recovery
• Highly compassionate and excellent attention to detail
• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required.

WHO IS CMHA…?

At CMHA Kelowna, we are dedicated to Mental Health in our community. No matter how old or how young, we provide support for families and individuals through programs that promote positive mental health and support recovery, while championing the elimination of barriers that can prevent people from thriving. We are a dynamic, innovative and visionary organization. We are looking for someone who shares our vision of a mentally healthy Kelowna and are passionate about making a difference in our community by bringing their particular expertise to our organization. Like what you hear…fantastic, check us out: www.cmhakelowna.org

CMHA KELOWNA OFFERS YOU…

• A competitive wage
• All of the other Dental, Health & EAP Benefits
• 3 weeks vacation
• 12 sick days per year
• RRSP matching program
• A work life balance that actually works with you
• A culture that embodies ‘walk the talk’ from our Leadership Team
• As a non-profit, we definitely do NOT have foosball and free snacks, but what we DO have, is the ability to empower our teams, be a part of something bigger…and learning and growing in an organization that fosters transparency and trust. 

To apply for this exciting role, please forward a cover letter and resume by November 26, 2021 to John West, Human Resources Coordinator, at [email protected] or through Indeed here.

As an employer, CMHA Kelowna strives to create a workplace that respects and values all individuals, minimizes bias, and promotes the equity, diversity, and inclusion of different perspectives and ideas. At CMHA Kelowna, that means welcoming diversity in mental health, race, ethnicity, and culture. It also means diverse abilities, age, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, gender identities, education, marital status, language, and physical appearance. These values are embedded in the work CMHA Kelowna does every day.

We appreciate and thank all applicants for their interest, however only short-listed candidates and those legally eligible to work in Canada will be contacted.