Careers
Peer Health Support Worker
Deadline: September 12, 2022
Access Alliance Multicultural Health and Community Services is a Community Health Centre that aims to improve health outcomes for the most vulnerable immigrants, refugees, and their communities. We do this by facilitating access to services and addressing systemic inequities. The Centre envisions a future in which diverse individuals, families and communities can achieve health with dignity.
We have a strong and vibrant Health with Dignity Program which includes a Peer Health Support initiative. The initiative provides peer support to designated people and their families/caregivers. The Peer health support initiative focuses on increasing client self-management and self-confidence. Peer Health Support Workers provide support through navigation, way-finding, communication, prioritizing and connections to health specific resources. Support may be individual or in group settings, in person and/or virtually, on or off site and can be appointment based. Client interactions will be documented.
Orientation and on-going training and education will be provided in relation to designated health needs and issues. Activities and support provided will focus on engagement and inclusion, navigation, wayfinding and supporting independence and self-reliance so a person or group can better manage their health needs and issues. The Peer Health Support Workers work independently and collaboratively with each other, and the HWD Health Coaches. They also participate in extended care teams that include Primary Care Practitioners, Nurses, Settlement Workers, counsellor therapists – both internal and external to Access Alliance. The Peer Health Support Workers will also be involved in designated health system initiatives and partnerships with other CHCs, various Ontario Health Teams in Toronto and other peer support and outreach initiatives like the community ambassador program, etc.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Participate in orientation, training and education as designated, appropriate and necessary;
Outreach and/or provide support to designated systemically vulnerable newcomers (immigrants, refugees and non-status, etc.) with a focus on health/health related conditions, need and issues relevant to accessing needed and appropriate health services;
Provide support in person and digitally to individuals and groups that is engaging and inclusive and
supports increasing self-management skills and thinking for health issues, needs and conditions;
Provide information on relevant programs and services;
Support the development and implementation of peer health support networks
Co-facilitate groups with interdisciplinary staff from AAMHCS and partner agencies
Support effective communication between providers and clients including language assistance
Document client interactions, submit relevant data and stats, support preparation of reports, Actively participate in team meetings, and/or special projects as assigned.
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
Those who are interested in applying should have:
One to two years of post secondary education in a health or social service related field OR 2 years of relevant experience (health, support, outreach) and demonstrated knowledge of health care and social service systems, community resources, social networks, etc.
A good understanding health and social issues in newcomer communities
Lived experience as a newcomer (immigrant, refugee, non-status, etc.) is an asset
Knowledge and awareness of community health and primary care resources in Toronto
Ability to communicate (verbally and written) in English
Ability to communicate in additional languages is an asset
Strong interpersonal skills are required
Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends
Ability to travel extensively throughout the city (no car needed)
Community outreach experience (preferred)
Salary: $28,827- $42,281 per annum (pro-rated)
Hours: Part-time 21 hours per week
Duration: 1 year project
Bargaining Unit position: United Food and Commercial Workers, Local 175
TO APPLY:
Application Method With “Peer Health Support Worker ” in the subject heading, please send your Resume and cover letter by September 12, 2022, 5:00pm to:
by E-mail: jobs@accessalliance.ca
by Regular Mail: Hiring Committee, Peer Health Support Worker
Access Alliance Multicultural Health and Community Services
340 College Street, 5th Floor, Toronto, ON, M5T 3A9
No phone calls please.
We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will receive a response.
Please note that a criminal background check (Vulnerable sector) will be conducted for this position.
We encourage applications from individuals who reflect the broad diversity of communities we work with, including those from racialized and LGBTQ communities.
In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities
Act, 2005, accommodation will be provided in all parts of the hiring process. Applicants need to make
their needs known in advance.
Access Alliance encourages a scent-free environment. Employees, students, volunteers, and visitors are asked to refrain from wearing fragrances and other scented personal care products (i.e. perfumes,
lotions, hairspray, etc.) while at the Centre.