Peer Support Worker – Evenings

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 organization cares about the growth safety and well-beingof employees and offers :

• Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)
• Learning & professional development opportunities

Deadline to apply : November 24th 2025

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 29-month contract

For more information please visit

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 Branchs 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 Drivers License

Criminal Records Check

Certification in CPR and First Aid or willingness to obtain same

Duties :

How to Apply :

Please submit your cover letter and resume to :

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.

Key Skills

Nursing Home Experience,Developmental Disabilities Experience,Direct Support,Computer Operation,Caregiving,Case Management,Special Needs,Training & Development,Child Protective Services,Experience with Children,Word Processing,Addiction Counseling

Employment Type : Contract

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1