Please note that this is an internal job posting only available to current CMHA HKPR Employees. External Applications will not be considered.We have an opportunity available for a full-time Peer Specialist with our Early Psychosis Intervention (E.P.I.) program.In addition to having lived experience and knowledge about recovery from psychosis or other mental health conditions, the ideal individual for this position has on-the-job experience connecting with others in a similar role, as well as a G-level driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle.For a complete description of the responsibilities, work environment and requirements for this position, please see below.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. In the context of mental health, peer support is a beneficially supportive relationship between people who have a lived experience in common. While each person's situation and path towards recovery is unique, the Peer Specialist can provide 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. In addition to the provision of peer support to Lynx clients, the Peer Specialist position also provides the worker with a vocational recovery opportunity.The Peer Specialist focuses on the quality of life of young people experiencing early psychosis and considers an individual's wellness from a holistic point of view that includes relationships, involvement in their community, general wellbeing, and their sense of empowerment. Peer Specialists provide mental health support delivered through evidence-based practice approaches.Location: PeterboroughStatus: Full-TimePosting# PS-EPI-FT-09-26Wage: $30.27 to $31.66 per hourApplication Deadline: 12:00 Noon on September 16, 2026Key ResponsibilitiesProvide individualized psychosocial interventions to Lynx EPI clientsParticipate in the provision of family education/ intervention supports and programmingProvide support to clients with job search/employment skills developmentAssist clients in accessing education upgrading and skills developmentProvide community and residential group instruction and independent living skills programing to clientsAn effort is made to match the Peer Specialist's skills and experience with various client needs and peer support opportunities. As a result, a Peer Specialist may be involved in any combination of the following duties (and these can change over time, as skills and interests develop):Social recreationPublic educationGroup facilitationOne-to-one peer supportsAlumni coordination1. Client SupportsAssist 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 the areas of socialization, recreation,



education and vocationAssist clients in their efforts to understand their mental health condition and the process of recoveryAssist clients in their efforts to maintain, regain or establish an active and enjoyable life-styleAssist clients in their efforts to have positive relationships with friends, family and/or colleaguesAssist clients in their efforts to prevent relapse or crises, and to respond appropriately if these do occurParticipate in communication and planning for inter-professional treatment team workParticipate in the development and delivery of group programming, as required2. DocumentationAccurate and timely completion of all administrative documentation including time sheets, expense claims, and training requestsTimely completion of client data entry/progress notes, as required3. Other ActivitiesOrganize, deliver and evaluate presentations, workshops, public forums and special events, where required such as: "Open Your Mind" for Public Education and Professional Training purposesCoordinate alumni activities including maintaining regular contact, establishing regular meetings and events, by upholding strong social connections with each otherEnsure that all activities fall within program budget requirements, in collaboration with the Program ManagerContribute to the overall ongoing development of Lynx E.P.I. programConsultation regarding Lynx clients with members of the Lynx E.P.I. team4. Performance Management and Qualified DevelopmentParticipate cooperatively in the agency performance management process/systemStay current on relevant legislation and best practices, current research, policies and proceduresParticipate in ongoing professional development and mandatory trainingActively engage and participate in supervisory process5. Health and Safety – Worker ResponsibilitiesWork in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, applicable regulations and all organizational health and safety requirements and procedures to ensure the health and safety of clients, staff/colleagues, volunteers and students6. Client SafetyAdhere to C.M.H.A. H.K.P.R. client safety programs including program policies as well as infection control and prevention procedures. In partnership with clients, family members, and fellow staff, maintain open lines of communication to assist the organization in identifying and achieving quality outcomes for client safety. Report client safety incidents and suggested improvements to manager or delegate.7. Other Duties as AssignedAttend participate in team/staff meetings, and all-staff meetings as requiredParticipate in agency quality improvement activities, e.G. accreditation projects, committee work, special events,



etc.Participate in quality improvement activities at the team/program levelParticipate in external committees as requiredDuties may change from time to timeRequirements of the PositionA. Education and TrainingSuccessful 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 the following):Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (W.H.M.I.S. 2015)Infection, Prevention & ControlWorkplace ViolenceAccessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities ActApplied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (A.S.I.S.T.)Verbal Intervention TrainingClient Record Management System (C.R.M.S.)First Aid/Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (C.P.R.)Ontario Common Assessment of Need (O.C.N.)Assests with regard to this position:W.R.A.P. Level 2 CertificationFormal training or education in: Motivational Interviewing, C.B.T informed, D.B.T. informed, Solution Focused Therapy informed, Trauma informed, Concurrent DisordersB. Related and Relevant ExperienceMandatory experienceTwo (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, M.S. Office databases), as requiredC. CompetenciesRefer to C.M.H.A. H.K.P.R Competency MatrixD. OtherValid driver's license is required.Automobile in good repair and insurance coverage as required by agency policy.Satisfactory police records searchSatisfactory referencesIntermediate to advanced minus proficiency in French is an assetLived expertise with a mental health concern or addiction,Proof of receipt of full COVID-19 vaccineAbility to work remotely, for example from home, as required.Requirement to have reliable home internet service and the technology to complete work from a remote location, for example computer/laptop, telephone, etc.Working Conditions:Works primarily in office or community setting when providing client support in one-to-one or group formatWorks 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 the needs of clients including group work and to provide public education in the communityWork in a remote environment, such as personal home, as requiredAs part of our recruitment process, we may use artificial intelligence tools to support or assist the review of applications. These tools may help us identify candidates whose qualifications best match job requirements.

📌 Peer Specialist - Early Psychosis Intervention (Madawaska Valley)
🏢 cmhahkpr
📍 Madawaska Valley