Why join CMHA Kenora?
We are a team committed to our vision of mental health support for all. We offer an inclusive, innovative, and high-performance work culture that helps us deliver transformational impact. The organization cares about the growth, safety and well-being of employees and offers:
- Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)
- Learning & professional development opportunities
Deadline to apply: November 18th, 2026
Peer Support Worker – Evenings
Clinical Service Hub
Employer: CMHA Kenora Branch
Job Title: Peer Support Worker
Work Location: Kenora Emergency Shelter
Employment Status: Part-Time, 19-month contract
Wage: $26.27/ hour
For more information, please visit www.cmhak.on.ca
Overview:
The Peer Support Worker for the Kenora Emergency Shelter is responsible for connecting and engaging people who access the overnight emergency shelter. This position requires a person with a lived experience perspective and awareness of the needs of the patrons of the Kenora Emergency Shelter. The Peer Support Worker provides nonclinical services, information and referral, emotional support, goal setting and attainment, advocacy, role modeling and interpersonal skills with a focus on empowering patrons to make choices related to their life based on self-determination during the intake hours of the Kenora Emergency Shelter from 8:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m. Monday to Friday. The Peer Support Worker will be under the direct supervision of the Clinical Service Hub Team Lead and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Mental Health Association, Kenora Branch and will assist the Clinical Service Hub in follow-up that is required for patrons such as paperwork, relaying of appointments and notification of what is externally available to patrons for assistance with the ultimate goal of patrons staying at the Kenora Emergency Shelter to be as short as possible and moving people from needing shelter to being permanently housed. The Peer Support Worker will also assist as a liaison for paramedics and other emergency services during their shift to relay clinical information within the Canadian Mental Health Association Kenora Branch’s clinical management system (EMHWare) that would assist with navigating supports for the patrons to divert from the emergency department where appropriate as well as service restrictions to the Kenora Emergency Shelter. The Peer Support Worker will also assist with navigating supports for patrons and others attending the Kenora Emergency Shelter to the co-located onsite integrated care team services (HART Hub) that will consist of low barrier access to a range of services through case management and transition support, nursing, peer support, transportation support, crisis stabilization support, addiction services, land-based cultural care, connection and referral pathways to supportive housing support, and onsite administrative support. The Peer Support Worker is expected to work as a member of a team and is expected to participate in regular peer and team supervision when required, by the Clinical Service Hub Team Lead and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian, Mental Health Association, Kenora Branch.
Qualifications:
Knowledge of issues related to poverty and homelessness
Networking skills and outreach skills
Ability to assess dynamic risk
Highly developed communication skills
Assessment, case management, advocacy, counselling, and recording skills
Understanding and applied knowledge of Recovery Model, Brief Therapy, Strengths Perspective, Harm Reduction, Psychosocial Rehabilitation & Housing First
Activities of daily living, problem solving skills and ability to teach and model these skills for clients
Cultural Competence for Diverse populations
Ability to work independently
Professionalism in the performance of duties
Cultural Competence
Understands Trauma-Informed approaches
Computer literacy
Ability to articulate and represent the perspective of lived experience and patron rights
Knowledge of issues related to poverty and homelessness
Applied knowledge of the Recovery Model and Philosophy - Peer support workers are uniquely positioned to support individuals in the process of recovery; supporting wellness and assuming individuals with mental illness have much to offer
Training in Peer Support Work (Ex. Core Skills SHH/TEACH, Core Essentials OPDI, training by Centre for Excellence in Peer Support)
Effective strategies to deal with stress
Knowledge of mental health/illness and mental health difficulties
Working knowledge of community resources and agencies
Minimum of 1 year volunteer experience in an official peer support role
Ability to work independently and advocate on behalf of patrons
Networking skills and outreach skills
Cultural Competence for Diverse populations
Professionalism in the performance of duties
Understands Trauma-Informed approaches
Ability to work across cultural barriers
Computer literacy and recording skills
Ability to adequately access public transportation
Valid Driver’s License
Criminal Records Check
Certification in CPR and First Aid or willingness to obtain same
Duties:
- Adherence to all policies and procedures of Canadian Mental Health Association, Kenora Branch
- Assurance of confidentiality of all clients, personnel and organizational records and information
- Develop professional and supportive relationships with people accessing the overnight Kenora Emergency Shelter
- Share common experiences with patrons and self-awareness
- Assist in the development of individualized planning and strategies to support the achievement of housing goals and objectives for patrons as coordinated by the Clinical Service Hub Team
- Assist in the development of an integrated Recovery Plan in partnership with the identified integrated care team and strategies to support the achievement of goals and objectives of clients of the HART Hub as it relates Peer Support needs of those receiving services
- Providing on-going case management support to assess progress to ensure recovery plan outcomes are met or changed as needed with the Clinical Service Hub Team
- Make appropriate recommendations for supports and services of patrons
- Identify barriers that restrict and develop strategies that facilitate the patron’s ability to meet identified goals
- Ensure clients are triaged to appropriate services that are co-located onsite by the integrated care team services which will consist of low barrier access to a range of services through case management and transition support, nursing, peer support, transportation support, crisis stabilization support, addiction services, land-based cultural care, connection and referral pathways to supportive housing support
- Advocating for development of patron initiatives within the community and within the Kenora Emergency Shelter that identifies opportunities for patrons
- Respond to inquiries and aid first responders and emergency services when presenting at the Kenora Emergency Shelter
- Work collaboratively with patrons, co-workers, and the community
- Support patrons to navigate the health and social service systems and connect to appropriate resources in their community to meet their needs
- Support patrons to address problems/issues and find solutions
- Support patrons to set their own goals
- Support patrons to create a life of their choosing
- Continuous assessment of risk
- Alignment with the Core Values of Peer Support
- Introducing and referring patrons to consumer self-help programs and advocacy organizations that promote recovery
- Assist in reducing patron isolation and increase client community integration
- Establish rapport with patrons, build a relationship of trust, respect, genuineness, and empathy while maintaining clear professional boundaries and sharing lived experience
- Developed decision making skills to take appropriate actions ensuring safety of patrons and those around them
- Assessment of client need and mental status; assess the level of need and determine appropriate response; including reporting of client disclosure of harm to self or others (implementation of agencies Suicide Strategy)
- Conducting regular formal or informal evaluation of client satisfaction, achievement of goals, reassessment of service requirements and or needs in consultation with the client
- Coordination of wrap around services in partnership with the Clinical Service Hub as assessed for client need
- Participation in staff meetings and other meetings and committee work as directed by the Clinical Service Hub Team Lead & Chief Executive Officer
- Collection and maintenance of statistical information and keeping appropriate records of direct and indirect service
- Outcome monitoring and evaluation
- Professionally representing Canadian Mental Health Association, Kenora Branch
- Drafting all necessary correspondence and reports regarding clients
- Participation in administrative and office functions, including ongoing maintenance of office space
- Participation in educational and professional development opportunities
- Provide a safe environment by ensuring adherences to Workplace Health and Safety Regulations and Policies, Infection Control Guidelines, WHIMIS and Safe Work Procedures; including but not limited to Fire, Disaster and Evacuation Plans
- Ensure client safety and client safety activities are emphasized throughout orientation of new staff members and in day-to-day interactions with patrons
- Support an environment which avoids, prevents, and corrects all activities or actions which may result in an adverse outcome in the delivery of mental health services
- Responsible for self-care
- Other duties as directed
How to Apply:
Please submit your cover letter and resume by visiting our careers page at https://cmhak.on.ca/get-involved/careers/
The Canadian Mental Health Association, Kenora Branch welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities.
Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
