1 year Contract

About CMHA of NB

The Canadian Mental Health Association of New Brunswick Inc. (CMHA of NB) is part of a nationwide, voluntary organization that that envisions a country where mental health is a universal human right. CMHA of NB work is guided by the mission of ensuring that all people in New Brunswick experience good mental health and well-being.

CMHA of NB is STEADFAST and has long fought to improve the state of mental health in New Brunswick, yet acknowledges that the work is ongoing and remains committed to this important task. CMHA of NB is INCLUSIVE and strives for all people in New Brunswick to see themselves represented and served by CMHA of NB. The organization values the voice of those who have experienced mental illness and recognize a diverse range of mental health approaches.

CMHA of NB is PROACTIVE, with leaders who value action over mere talk, and is committed to innovation and forward-thinking to continually address and improve mental health in New Brunswick. Furthermore, CMHA of NB is COMPASSIONATE, approaching its mission with empathy, care, love, and kindness.

CMHA of NB, being COLLABORATIVE, mobilizes and marshals resources, partners, and people to come together to realize necessary changes in our communities and in the mental health system in New Brunswick. CMHA of NB provides a wide range of services and supports to people who are experiencing mental illness, their families, friends, and the public. One of the core goals of these services is to help people with mental illness develop the personal tools to lead meaningful and productive lives.

Position Summary:

The goal of Peer Support programs of C CMHA of NB is to help people with addiction and mental illness to receive emotional and practical support from someone who has lived through a similar experience, and is trained to support others, provide hope, serve as a role model, provide inspiration, and promote recovery. The Community Peer Support Worker program is a pilot program with Community Peer Support Workers located in various communities across New Brunswick, lead by the Community Peer Support Team Lead. Peer Support Consultants, the Community Peer Support Team, and departmental support staff and management are all individuals who have lived or living experience with mental health or dependency-related challenges, who use their lived experience to inform their work.

The Community Peer Support Worker will function as part of the Peer Support team to provide direct service delivery in community to peers. They will offer advocacy, non-clinical peer support interventions (one-on-one and group format), peer support outreach activities including education and liaison work, ongoing professional development, operational administrative and documentation tasks, and support tasks related to the overall execution of Peer Support initiatives for the province of New Brunswick by CMHA of NB.

This is a non-clinical role. A Peer Support Worker is a trained individual who has their own lived experience who provides support to peers, empowering them to make choices related to their life based on self-determination.

Main Duties:

Peer Support Interventions

• Provide non-clinical one-on-one and group services (mutual support or structured peer interventions) for peers based on operational guidelines and frameworks in alignment with the Canadian Mental Health Association of New Brunswick's Specialized Peer Support Training Program.
• Use the Five Stages of Recovery Framework to support peers in identifying their current state, obstacles they may encounter, and support them as they navigate the stages using appropriate peer intervention tools and leading by example.
• Support peers in developing and achieving their self-defined recovery goals.
• Using a strengths-based approach, assist peers in self-identifying strengths and leveraging those strengths in relation to their recovery process.
• Utilize Specialized Peer Intervention Skills including but not limited to; effective use of self-disclosure skills, prompting reflective questions and discussions on recovery, supporting peers in confronting fears, contributing to the development of recovery plans, helping peers identify recovery strategies, assisting peers in accessing services that meet their recovery needs, and informing peers about community-based support services.
• Develop, promote, and facilitate group programs and activities designed to empower peers to learn skills, gain knowledge, and grow through their recovery process, as well as promote community integration and the development of informal social support.
• Utilize interventions and approaches in alignment with Peer Support Values, person-centred and culturally safe practices, and harm-reduction strategies.
• Strong commitment to ethics and boundaries with peer relationships, ensuring a safe and empowering environment.

Peer Support Outreach

• Work collaboratively with internal partners as appropriate (Peer Support Consultants, other Peer Support Workers, other CMHA of NB staff, etc.).
• Work collaboratively with external partners as appropriate (Horizon / Vitalité, in-patient units, governmental departments, community organizations, etc.).
• Provide education and awareness to partners, organizations, and the community around the role of Peer Support Workers and distinct character of the work and approach.
• Participate in case coordination, liaison, and service planning with other service providers in collaboration with the peer as appropriate.
• Identify and facilitate connection to community resources.
• Develop and maintain community partner relationships to facilitate referrals and connections to the services those organizations provide in community.
• Participate in community outreach activities through the development of collaborative partnerships and through presentations, education and visits to community agencies and services as appropriate.
• Regional service promotion through a variety of mediums including networking, communications, social media, etc.

Peer Support Advocacy

• Serve as a recovery ally and role model, inspiring hope for peers and loved ones that recovery is possible.
• Advocate both systemically and individually for the recognition of peer support and recovery values.
• Promote positive, supportive, and inclusive attitudes towards people who have experienced mental health or dependency-based issues through support, activities, and advocacy.
• Advocate for the rights and interests of peers as appropriate, and help peers become more empowered and able to acquire the necessary skills to self-advocate.

Documentation and Reporting

• Document and maintain peer records according to CMHA of NB policies, program operational guidelines and organizational practices with a high degree of accuracy and timeliness.
• Meet or exceed all CMHA of NB policies, program operational guidelines and organizational practices regarding confidentiality and data stewardship.
• Report program-related statistical data with a high degree of accuracy and timeliness.
• Complete administrative tasks including timesheets, expense reports, time-away requests, etc. according to CMHA of NB policies, program operational guidelines and organizational practices.
• Complete incident reports and other documentation when required according to CMHA of NB policies, program operational guidelines and organizational practices with a high degree of accuracy and timeliness.

Continuous Learning and professional development

• Demonstrate general learning ability to effectively adapt to emerging practices, changes to processes, procedures, etc.
• Stay current on relevant legislation and best practices, current research, policies, and procedures.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and mandatory trainings activities, seminars, or certifications.
• Active participation in professional communities or associations as they become available.
• Attend various conferences and access professional development opportunities as funding allows.

Other

• Follow and uphold CMHA of NB policies, program operational guidelines, peer support values, and ethical conduct at all times.
• Participate in organizational or program level quality improvement processes.
• Participate in organizational practices, collaborations, committees and opportunities.
• Support activities and projects which enhance the overall profile and functioning of the Peer Support Department and CMHA of NB.

Qualifications:

• Preference will be given to candidates with lived experience.
• Certificate of Certified Peer Support Training Program of New Brunswick is required.
• Post secondary studies or coursework in Psychology, Addictions, Sociology, and other related fields is an asset but is not required. A combination of work experience and education will be considered.
• Proficiency in both English and French languages is an asset.
• A new Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check is mandatory.
• Mental health, addictions or suicide awareness / intervention trainings are asset. (ASIST, Changing Minds, NVCI, Mental Health First Aid, etc.).
• A valid Work Permit is mandatory for temporary residents.
• Residency in New Brunswick (NB) or willingness to relocate is mandatory.

Core Competencies:

• Problem-solving
• Communication
• Interpersonal & Relational skills
• Teamwork
• Critical Thinking
• Reasoning and Decision making
• Attention to Detail
• Flexibility & Adaptability
• Time Management & Priority Setting
• Planning and Organization
• Self-Awareness and Self-Management
• Initiative & Commitment
• Continuous Learning & Development
• Resilience
• Hope
• Ethics and Integrity

Knowledge, Abilities & Skills:

• Proficiency and working knowledge of Microsoft 365 is required.
• Cell phone literacy with proficiency and working knowledge of Android or Apple platforms and Microsoft 365 phone applications.
• Knowledge of the formal NB mental health and addictions system, community organizations, and resources, including CMHA of NB programs and services, is an asset.
• Knowledge of regional community social service organizations and resources is an asset.
• Knowledge of provincial social service organizations and resources is an asset.
• Establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships (stakeholders, partners, coworkers, peers, etc.)
• Analytical thinking (observing, researching, analyzing, problem solving, communication of information and possible solutions)
• Excellent communication skills, including speaking, listening, and written communication.
• Ability to be clear and articulate in written communication.
• Professional, compassionate, and non-judgmental approach to communication.
• Empathy towards individuals with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.
• Ability to work effectively in various settings and environments, both one-on-one and in group settings.
• Highly motivated and passionate about mental health and anti-oppressive work.
• Openness to innovation and creative problem-solving.
• Passion, personal alignment, and commitment to the mission, vision, and values of CMHA of NB.
• Passion, personal alignment, and commitment to the Core Values of Peer Support.
• Agreeableness, willingness to work with others, consideration, and genuine concern for others' well-being.
• Ability to navigate to locations in community / service region and work autonomously.
• A calm and non-reactive nature, ability to handle conflict or crisis with a steady and responsible approach.
• Group planning, coordination, facilitation skills or presentation skills are asset.
• Experience using client management software or platforms is an asset.

Working Conditions:

• The workweek is 32 hours.
• Flexible work schedules may be required to meet operational requirements.
• Travel within the province and the service region is required.
• Work in various settings or in partnership with other health agencies is expected.
• This position will report directly to the Community Peer Support Team Lead

How To Apply:

• Please submit your resume and cover letter in one PDF file to [email protected].
• CMHA of NB is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the New Brunswickers we serve. As an equal opportunity employer, we actively support workplace equity for all persons and are committed to including and reflecting the population we serve. CMHA of NB encourages applicants to identify as belonging to one of the designated groups of the Employment Equity Act. Preference shall be given to those who demonstrate they are among the most qualified as stated above. Employment Equity Act

We thank all those who apply; however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted