Peer Support Specialist

OPSEU

Job Title : Peer Support Specialist, Emergency Department

Status : Regular Part Time

Department : SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS ICP

Program : Mental Health & Addictions

12,8 Hour Shifts, days,evenings,weekends Schedule (Subject to Change)

Location : Lakeridge Health Oshawa

Wage Schedule : $31.830 - $33.150 per hour

Posting Reference : 2600000323

Lakeridge Health is more than a hospital. It is a health network that includes five hospitals, a long-term care home, a community-based surgical centre, and more than 30 community sites across the Durham Region. Guided by our vision of One System. Best Health. and supported by a dedicated team of nearly 9,000 staff, physicians, and volunteers, Lakeridge Health is a place where the best people want to start, grow, and finish their careers in health care. We are focused on fostering an environment that’s inclusive, compassionate, innovative, and joyful. This is Lakeridge Health!

Reporting to the Manager, Emergency Mental Health and Addictions (MHA), the Peer Support Specialist for Emergency Department (ED) MHA will work collaboratively with the MHA Program and ED Program as well as broad stakeholder groups to support implementation of the Substance Use Pathway Pilot in collaboration between Lakeridge Health and Ontario Health, Centre of Excellence. The Peer Support Specialist will become part of the new Addiction Medicine Consultation Service at Lakeridge, providing Interdisciplinary care for patients in the ED presenting with substance use disorders and concerns related to problem gambling

Duties and Responsibilities :

The Peer Support Specialist will offer patient centred support to individuals presenting with substance use and mental health concerns. Drawing on their own lived or living experience with substance use and mental health concerns, the Peer Support Specialist offers compassionate, non-judgemental, trauma informed and recovery oriented support to individuals presenting with substance use and / or mental health concerns. The Specialist collaborates closely with the interdisciplinary team and community partners and assists individuals with system navigation, discharge planning and advocates for the needs and preferences of patients in the emergency department. The Specialist maintains appropriate boundaries, professionalism, patient confidentiality, peer support ethics, and participates in team meetings / training.

Qualifications :

• Lived experience of substance use concerns, which includes being a recipient of substance use or mental health services.
• Diploma or degree from an accredited College or University in the Human Services field.
• Minimum three years directly related working experience with emergency department / psychiatry department.
• Other combinations of academic training and experience may be considered (i.e. WRAP certification).
• Knowledge of substance use disorders, harm reduction principles and practices, mental illness and social determinants of health.
• Knowledge of the Mental Health Act, PHIPA, and the principles of client centred service delivery, non-coercive care and trauma-informed approaches to care.
• Knowledge of the principles of life skills training, focused problem solving and intervention strategies.
• Extensive knowledge of local supports and services.
• Demonstrate self-awareness, appropriate professional boundaries;
• Demonstrated reliability (attendance and punctuality), and the ability to work independently.
• Must present in a professional manner with clients, staff, families, and the public while being open, friendly, approachable, accepting and understanding.
• Must possess highly developed communication, organizational and coordination skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to our core values of Inclusion, Compassion, Innovation, Teamwork and Joy;
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to Lakeridge Health's comprehensive safety programs and practices including staff, patient and environmental safety and participation in regular in-services in this area

At Lakeridge Health, we value inclusion and diversity. We are committed to fostering a culture that is respectful, inclusive, and accessible. We are committed to employing a workforce that is representative of the diverse community we provide services to and welcome applications from all qualified applicants from all backgrounds.

Accommodation will be provided in all parts of the recruitment and assessment process in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require any accommodation at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact recruitment@lh.ca .

Unless specifically stated, all job postings at Lakeridge Health are to fill existing vacancies within our organization. Lakeridge Health may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools as part of the recruitment and screening process. A member of our Talent Acquisition team is actively engaged in the Recruitment and Selection process to ensure a fair and thorough assessment of applicants.

Lakeridge Health thanks all those who apply, however, only candidates considered for an interview will be contacted.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT :

The terms and conditions of employment are in accordance with the Collective Agreement between the Hospital and OPSEU Local 348.

Successful External applicants must provide a satisfactory Criminal Investigation Reference for the vulnerable sector, dated within the past six (6) months.

Lakeridge Health is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment for all team members and patients. New Lakeridge Health team members will be required to complete a Pre-employment Health Assessment as a condition of employment.