Peer Specialist, NSACTT

2026-026 – TFT Peer Specialist – NSACTT – External

Job Summary:

The Peer Specialist works as an integrated member of an interprofessional team to carry out rehabilitation and support functions facilitating community living, psychosocial rehabilitation, and recovery for persons living with a serious mental illness. In addition, the incumbent assists in treatment and crisis intervention under the supervision of clinical staff, providing services in the environment of choice of the individual wherever possible. The incumbent is responsible for providing peer counseling and side-by-side support for assigned clients, as well as assisting in the comprehensive assessment of clients and sharing in the responsibility for addressing the needs of all clients requiring frequent contact.

Utilizing personal experience as a recipient of mental health services, the Peer Specialist provides firsthand insight to benefit the team and its clients in the provision of services, maximizing client choice, self-determination and decision-making in the planning, delivery, and evaluation of services. All services are provided in accordance with the mission, vision, values and established protocols of the Agency.

There are a number of specialty Peer Specialist roles supporting clients across multiple programs at the Agency. Further information on this variation:

Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACTT) – works as a member of an interprofessional ACT team, responsible for providing peer support services as per the ACT model of care, to individuals with serious mental illness who are living in the community.

Minimum Qualifications:

• University Degree in a health-related discipline
• One-year relevant experience providing services to individuals who live with a serious mental illness, in a community setting preferred
• Lived experience with addiction and/or serious mental health illness, either personally or through a close family member, strongly preferred
• Certification in First Aid and CPR, an asset
• Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, an asset
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training, an asset

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated understanding of mental health symptoms, issues, psychotropic medications and associated side effects
• Ability to utilize own personal, practical experience, self-knowledge and first-hand insight to benefit clients and team members
• Knowledge of and ability to apply Psychosocial Rehabilitation and recovery principles
• Knowledge of issues related to addictions an asset
• Knowledge of and ability to incorporate best practices in community support for individuals living with a serious mental illness
• Ability to effectively utilize community resources and supports to meet the needs of individuals
• Ability to work under pressure within a changing environment
• Working knowledge of the Health Care Consent Act, Mental Health Act, Personal Health Information Protection Act, and other relevant legislation
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills in order to effectively engage community services and individuals, increasing awareness of services
• Well-developed problem-solving, prioritization and conflict resolution skills
• Ability to work autonomously as well as collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment
• Basic proficiency in computer skills; MS Office preferred
• Ability to work rotating days, evenings and weekends
• Must possess a valid Ontario Driver’s License and have regular access to a reliable vehicle and provide proof of $2,000,000 vehicle insurance. Incumbent may be required to transport clients.
• Required to provide a satisfactory criminal reference check (CRC) with Vulnerable Sector Screening prior to hire.
• French Language proficiency considered an asset.

AMHS-KFLA strives to be a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community and enhance our ability to provide quality services to our clients.

We are committed to accessible employment practices. If you require an accommodation to fully participate in the recruitment and selection process, please inform Human Resources to discuss your individual accessibility needs.

AI Disclosure: We do not use artificial intelligence to screen, assess, or select applicants for this position