Overview
The Early Psychosis Intervention (E.P.I.) program delivers public education, assessment, and treatment services for individuals experiencing the early stages of psychosis, and their families. The Peer Specialist provides emotional, social, and practical support for some of the shared challenges that persons with mental health conditions experience. Hope is the starting point from which a journey of recovery begins, and Peer Specialists can inspire hope and demonstrate the possibility of recovery. The Peer Specialist position also provides the worker with a vocational recovery opportunity.
Location and Status
Location : Kawartha Lakes & Haliburton County
Status : Full-Time Temporary (12 months)
Posting and Compensation
Posting# : PS-EPI-KL-FTT-10-25
Wage : $28.14 to $29.49 per hour
Application Deadline : 12 : 00 noon on November 11, 2025
Key Responsibilities
- Provide individualized psychosocial interventions to Lynx EPI clients
- Participate in the provision of family education / intervention supports and programming
- Provide support to clients with job search / employment skills development
- Assist clients in accessing education upgrading and skills development
- Provide community and residential group instruction and independent living skills programming to clients
An effort is made to match the Peer Specialist’s skills and experience with various client needs and peer support opportunities. A Peer Specialist may be involved in any combination of the following duties (these can change over time as skills and interests develop) :
Social recreationPublic educationGroup facilitationOne-to-one peer supportsAlumni coordinationClient Supports
Assist clients in the development of empowerment in the recovery process through self-directed recovery choicesProvide clients with a sense of validation of their own lived experience and the experiences of othersAssist clients in their efforts to be active in socialization, recreation, education and vocationAssist clients in understanding their mental health condition and the recovery processHelp clients maintain, regain or establish an active and enjoyable lifestyleAssist clients in developing positive relationships with friends, family and / or colleaguesAssist clients in preventing relapse or crises, and respond appropriately if they occurParticipate in communication and planning for inter-professional treatment team workParticipate in the development and delivery of group programming, as requiredDocumentation
Accurate and timely completion of all administrative documentation including time sheets, expense claims, and training requestsTimely completion of client data entry / progress notes, as requiredOther Activities
Organize, deliver and evaluate presentations, workshops, public forums and special events (e.g., Open Your Mind for Public Education and Professional Training purposes)Coordinate alumni activities including maintaining regular contact and meetings / events with strong social connectionsEnsure activities fall within program budget requirements, in collaboration with the Program ManagerContribute to the ongoing development of the Lynx E.P.I. programConsult with Lynx clients with members of the Lynx E.P.I. teamPerformance Management and Professional Development
Participate cooperatively in the agency performance management process / systemStay current on relevant legislation, best practices, current research, policies and proceduresParticipate in ongoing professional development and mandatory trainingActively engage in supervisory processHealth and Safety – Worker Responsibilities
Work in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, applicable regulations and all organizational health and safety requirements and proceduresClient Safety
Adhere to CMHA HKPR client safety programs including program policies and infection control measuresMaintain open communication with clients, family members, and staff to identify and achieve quality outcomes for client safetyReport client safety incidents and suggested improvements to manager or delegateOther Duties as Assigned
Attend and participate in team / staff meetings, and all-staff meetings as requiredParticipate in agency quality improvement activities (e.g., accreditation projects, committee work, special events)Participate in quality improvement activities at the team / program levelParticipate in external committees as requiredDuties may change from time to timeRequirements of the Position
A. Education and Training
Successful completion of post-secondary education (diploma or degree) in the social / health science disciplines is preferred. Consideration may be given to applicants with equivalent mental health related skills and experience.We recognize that mandatory training before hire is an asset; however, successful completion of the training applicable to this role shall be requirements for continued employment in this position.
Health and Safety Training (including but not limited to) :
W.H.M.I.S. 2015Infection Prevention & ControlWorkplace ViolenceAccessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities ActApplied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)Verbal Intervention TrainingClient Record Management System (CRMS)First Aid / CPROntario Common Assessment of Need (OCN)Assets with regard to this position :
Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) Level 2 CertificationFormal training or education in Motivational Interviewing, CBT-informed, DBT-informed, Solution Focused Therapy informed, Trauma-informed, Concurrent DisordersB. Related and Relevant Experience
Mandatory experience
Two (2) years with recovery oriented lived experience plus one (1) year on the job experienceLived experience and knowledge about recovery from psychosis or other mental health conditionsPersonal knowledge of the mental health system, and the ability to share this knowledge with othersPositive energy and enthusiasm for engaging and motivating young people living with mental illnessDemonstrated knowledge of computer applications (Outlook, MS Office databases)Competencies
Refer to CMHA HKPR Competency Matrix
Other
Valid driver’s license is requiredAutomobile in good repair and insurance coverage as required by agency policySatisfactory police records searchSatisfactory referencesIntermediate to advanced minus proficiency in French is an assetLived expertise with a mental health concern or addictionProof of receipt of full COVID-19 vaccineAbility to work remotely, for example from home, as required
Reliable home internet service and the technology to complete work from a remote location (e.g., computer / laptop, telephone)Working Conditions
Works primarily in office or community settings when providing client support in one-to-one or group formatsWorks directly with individuals living with serious mental illness or who are experiencing symptoms of early psychosisWorks primarily in community agencies and high schools when providing public educationFlexible hours may be required to meet client needs, including group work and public education in the communityWork in a remote environment, such as from home, as required#J-18808-Ljbffr