Starting Treatment Early for Psychosis Service (STEPS) for YOUTH program in our Community Mental Health Department has newly adapted Coordinated Specialty Care using the NAVIGATE model, to provide standardized and coordinated care for our youth and young adult patients (14-35) who have experienced their first episodes of psychosis. This recovery and resiliency-oriented program helps individuals stay on track by providing the tools, support, and guidance needed to reach their personal and recovery goals.

The Peer Support

Specialist using the Recovery Model and their lived experience, provides community and office based support to clients in the STEPS for YOUTH program The Peer Support Specialist assists clients to connect with community supports and services, provides recreational and peer support groups and other tasks as needed to support clients in their recovery process.

Duties & Responsibilities

- Works collaboratively with professional staff to facilitate wellness skill development for people with lived experience of mental illness and /or addictions through teaching courses, leading groups, and providing coaching and mentorship.
- Provides people with lived experience of mental illness and/or addictions with support in completing personalized plans for education, wellness, and recovery.
- Supports people with lived experience of mental illness and/or addictions in the STEPS for YOUTH program.
- Engages in team consultations to provide input from people with lived experience of mental illness and/or addictions to professional staff.
- Assists with ongoing program development tasks, especially those focusing on issues for people with lived experience of mental illness and/or addictions and peer support role.




- Participates in continuous quality improvement strategies.
- Educates community service providers and other stakeholders regarding relevant mental health issues, consumer issues, and the peer support specialist role.
- Networks with community groups for people with lived experience of mental illness and/or addictions as necessary.

Qualifications Include

- Lived experience of recovering from a mental health, addiction, or homelessness challenges, and be able of utilize their personal wellness and recovery journey to offer deliberate peer support required. This entails conducting various activities such as leading group sessions, offering one-on-one assistance, and fostering well-structured, positive relationships.
- Lived experience with receiving case management services and psychiatric care required
- At least one year as a Peer Support Specialist paid work experience in a hospital or community mental health setting preferred
- Peer Support Canada's certification, Peer Support Specialist certification and Peer Support Mentor Certification preferred
- Peer Support Specialist role related training including WRAP Facilitator Certificate Level 1 and WRAP Facilitator Certificate Level 2 and Hearing Voices certification preferred
- Demonstrated capability to respect boundaries, effectively manage emotions, avoid dual relationships with clients, uphold strict confidentiality,



and practice sensible self-care techniques aimed at mitigating stress while balancing professional and personal obligations
- Strong knowledge of local community resources and past advocacy experience preferred
- Good verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work well within a team environment, including giving and receiving feedback
- Ability to assume a supportive role in client-worker relationship using the recovery approach
- Interest and/or experience in leading Peer Support Groups (ex: WRAP groups, social skills training groups, peer support groups, recreational outings)
- Interest and/or experience in educational activities to promote the Peer Support role (both within the Health Centre and external community partners)
- Comfortable working with clients in diverse locations
- Strong computer skills, specifically Microsoft Office, Outlook and a comfort using electronic charting records
- Fluency in a second language an asset
- Available to work flexible schedule
- Good attendance record

Unity Health Toronto is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We strive to provide a recruitment process that is barrier-free and in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code. We understand that you may require an accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process. When you are contacted, please inform the Talent Acquisition Specialist and we will work with you to meet your accommodation needs. We want to emphasize that all accommodation requests are handled with the utmost confidentiality, respecting your privacy and dignity.

📌 Peer Support Specialist STEPS for YOUTH (Toronto)
🏢 St. Michael's Hospital
📍 Toronto