Peer Support Worker – Early Psychosis Intervention Program

About the Job:

SHIP is seeking one full-time, temporary Peer Support Worker to join the Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI) program. SHIP EPI provides clinic- and community-based assessment and treatment for young people aged 14 to 35 who are experiencing a primary psychotic disorder, often at an early stage, including affective and non-affective psychotic disorders.

As a member of a diverse interdisciplinary team, the Peer Support Worker will help clients navigate their recovery journeys. EPI delivers coordinated specialty care using the Coordinated Specialty Care services model alongside peer support. Working collaboratively with clients and the treatment team, the successful candidate will draw thoughtfully on their lived experience of mental health and/or addiction challenges to foster hope, self-determination, personal empowerment, community participation, and progress toward individual recovery goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Build recovery-oriented, person-centered relationships with clients through one-to-one peer support.
• Use lived experience intentionally and appropriately to demonstrate compassion, understanding, and hope while maintaining healthy therapeutic boundaries.
• Coach clients in self-advocacy, self-management, decision-making, goal setting, and the development of practical community living skills.
• Support clients in identifying and achieving personal recovery goals and reintegrating into the community.
• Engage clients and their significant others in care planning and treatment decisions on an ongoing basis.
• Facilitate and coordinate peer-driven, recovery-oriented groups grounded in peer support values and person-centered practice.
• Provide information about and connections to housing, social, financial, educational, vocational, recreational, mental health, addiction, and other community resources.
• Collaborate with community partners, service providers, and other stakeholders to facilitate appropriate connections and referrals.
• Challenge stigma, promote social inclusion and understanding, and support clients in overcoming the effects of stigma.
• Contribute a lived-experience perspective to treatment planning and provide education about recovery to staff and students.
• Maintain timely and accurate documentation in accordance with SHIP policies, including documentation in the electronic medical record.
• Contribute to program development, continuous quality improvement, research, and educational activities within the service.
• Maintain ethical and professional conduct consistent with the codes of ethics and practice guidelines of Psychosocial Rehabilitation Canada and Peer Support Accreditation and Certification Canada.
• Support a healthy workplace that values diversity, teamwork, safety, and compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications:

• Lived experience of mental health and/or addiction services.
• Lived experience with a primary psychotic disorder.
• Minimum one year of formal peer support work experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of the core values and principles of peer support practice, including hope and recovery, self-determination, mutual and empathetic relationships, dignity, respect, social inclusion, health and wellness, and personal growth.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, problem-solving, organizational, time-management, facilitation, and writing skills.
• Ability to work effectively one-to-one and in group settings, both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Open, non-judgmental approach and demonstrated ability to engage effectively with youth, families, community agencies, and service providers.
• Comfort sharing lived experience in a purposeful manner that inspires hope while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
• Understanding of the rights of people who use health-care services, particularly mental health and substance use/addiction services.
• Knowledge of mental health, addiction, and social service systems and a holistic perspective on health and recovery.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and role-model effective self-care, self-management, personal growth, and resilience.
• Computer literacy and willingness to learn new software, including electronic medical record systems.
• Experience working respectfully with clients, staff, and organizations from diverse backgrounds.

Assets:

• Certification in a Peer Support Training program from a recognized provider.
• Additional relevant education, such as a Psychosocial Rehabilitation Certificate; Social Service Worker, Community Support Worker, or Child and Youth Worker diploma; or another related degree or diploma.
• Knowledge of and experience applying the principles and practices of psychosocial rehabilitation.
• Knowledge of psychoeducation and recovery philosophy, including hope and empowerment.
• Knowledge of or experience in early intervention in psychosis.
• Experience supporting individuals with substance use concerns.
• Experience connecting clients with housing, social, financial, educational, vocational, and recreational resources.

Core Competencies:

• Recovery-oriented and person-centered practice
• Empathy, mutuality, dignity, and respect
• Empowerment and strengths-based coaching
• Youth engagement and family collaboration
• Group facilitation and community integration
• Interdisciplinary teamwork and partnership development
• Professional judgment, ethical practice, and healthy boundaries
• Adaptability, organization, and accountability

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Day shifts (Monday – Friday) with flexible scheduling.
• Contract position until September 30, 2027
• Able to drive, walk (site locations) regularly.
• Able to work in office, community and partner settings in accordance with program and client needs.
• Regular travel by vehicle within the program’s Ontario service area is required.
• Able to answer and communicate telephone calls and general computer use.
• Able to lift up to 20lbs (product, documents, etc.)

Ship Values:

• Compassion, Hope, Inclusive, Respect, Professional

About us

Services and Housing In the Province (SHIP) is a Provincial leader in the broader public sector that builds strategic partnerships and programs that support the fundamental rights for Housing and Health Services throughout the Peel Region, Dufferin County, Region of Waterloo and surrounding areas.

Our commitment to increase quality of life through health services and housing supports that promote mental and physical health and wellness is at the forefront of every employee we hire. We value compassion, hope, inclusiveness, respect, and professionalism.

Our organization has supported the region for over 35 years and employs over 550 passionately engaged employees ranging from office administration, nurses, and service health specialists to housing specialists all dedicated to the community, clients, and families.

Accessibility

“SHIP strives to be equitable and inclusive in all that we do. Equity is a core value, and we are committed to providing an inclusive selection process. We encourage applicants from equity deserving communities including women, Black, Indigenous, other racialized groups, 2SLGBTQ+ persons, individuals with disabilities and others who will contribute to and enrich the organization and its values. We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment, selection processes, and work environments. Please advise the People and Culture Department of any accommodations needed in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code to ensure you have access to a fair and equitable process”.

Application Instructions

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply before November 11, 2026.

Why Work For Us?

Work-Life Balance

SHIP believes a healthy work-life balance is essential for both professional success and personal well-being. We strive to create a company culture that values and supports the well-being of our employees, while also pushing innovation in our organization

Our Vision
Quality Housing, Quality Services, Quality Lives

Our Mission
To increase quality of life through health services and housing supports that promote mental and physical health and wellness

Our Culture
Leader and innovative partner in the community. Our programs welcome employees into our caring, compassionate, and innovative culture. We listen; we know what it means, and why it matters.

Our Commitment
People are at the forefront of our success. Below are just a few ways our full-time permanent staff have personal and professional success:

• Competitive Salaries with Annual Performance Reviews
• Comprehensive Health Plans
• Group RRSP (5% Employer Contributions)
• 12 Paid Health, Wellness, and Sick Days
• 10 Paid Vacation Days
• 3 Paid Personal/Floating Holidays
• Generous Parental and Family Leave
• Learning and Development Opportunities
• Travel Allowances
• Employee Assistance Program
• Company Culture to be Proud of
• Possibility to Create a Real Impact

35+

Years focused on Clients, Tenants, Staff, and Families

5,000+

Clients and Residents served annually

20+

Programs and Service offerings in Southern Ontario

500+

Dedicated, Respectful, Compassionate and Professional Employees

Monday - Friday | 8:30am - 4:30pm
Union | 37.5 hours per week