INDIGENOUS PEER SUPPORT WORKER

The Indigenous Peer Support Worker provides emotional, cultural and practical support to individuals who are presenting to the emergency department with mental health, substance use or other challenges. Drawing on lived experience and Indigenous ways of knowing, the role fosters trust, empowerment and community connection, while supporting clients on their healing journey. The position blends traditional Indigenous approaches with Western mental health practices and works collaboratively with clients, families, Elders, Knowledge Keepers and service providers.

Key Responsibilities

• Supports Addictions Medicine Consult Service in coordinating care for patients with co‑morbidity substance use disorders presenting to the Emergency Department or other areas as required.
• Coordinates patient care in consultation with the multi‑disciplinary team.
• Consults with all team members regarding concerns that affect departmental operation and works to resolve them.
• Responds to crisis situations and critical incidents ensuring adherence to TaDH policies, procedures and practices.
• Acts as a patient/family advocate and escalates concerns to Management as required.
• Serves as a clinical resource to staff, optimizing problem solving and identifying resources.
• Performs administrative duties such as report‑writing and completing incident and communication logs.
• Mobilizes colleagues to improve patient care.
• Advocates for policy and program changes to provide optimal care.
• Provides leadership in health promotion and educational material to patients and families.
• Identifies, diffuses and resolves potential conflict or complaints.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Experience

• Completion of, or willingness to complete, Peer Support Worker Training or equivalent training.
• Experience providing peer support, mentorship or community‑based support (formal or informal) to individuals or families.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities, organizations or service providers.
• Experience participating in or facilitating circles, land‑based activities, cultural programming or community events (asset).
• Experience navigating health, housing, justice or social service systems.
• Experience working with people facing barriers such as mental health concerns, substance use, homelessness or systemic discrimination.
• Strong connection to Indigenous cultures, traditions and communities in Northeastern Ontario.
• Experience with data entry, Windows programs and Meditech.
• Knowledge of the Ontario Mental Health Act, mental health reform principles, the Substitute Decisions Act, the Health Care Consent Act and PHIPA requirements.
• Demonstrated familiarity or certification of recovery‑oriented approach and trauma‑informed care.
• Ability to observe boundaries, engage in appropriate emotional regulation, refrain from dual relationships with consumers, maintain confidentiality and engage in reasonable self‑care strategies to reduce stress.
• Effective teamwork skills with interdisciplinary and physician teams.
• Ability to communicate effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds, orally and in writing.
• Patience, understanding and tact when dealing with patients, staff, families and visitors.
• Physical ability to lift and transfer incapacitated patients.
• Ability to perform satisfactorily under stress when confronted with critical or unexpected events.
• Ability to speak or understand Cree or Ojibway is considered a strong asset.
• CPI (Crisis Prevention and Intervention) certification considered an asset.

Preferred Training and Assets

• Trauma‑informed care.
• Indigenous Cultural Safety Training (e.g., ICS, San’yas, locally delivered programs).
• Mental health first aid, WRAP, ASIST.
• Harm reduction principles.
• Mental health and addictions certificates/courses.

Compensation and Benefits

• Starting salary of $28.95/hour; $56,452.50/year.
• Range to $30.84/hour; $60,138.00/year.
• Option to enroll in the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan.