Peer Support Worker
PAARC is seeking one or two Peer Support Workers (either one full-time or two part-time) to join our new partnership,
Opioid Outreach & Treatment Services. This program provides a range of services to those using opioids and those who
are concerned about someone else’s use. Our services include individual and group support and counselling, clinical
nursing care, and peer support to help our clients access other services, receive education and support to cope with chronic
pain, illness (including Hep C, HIV,) stress, mental health issues, and information about methadone, Suboxone and other
pharmacological treatment options. An important role of the Peer Support Worker(s) is to foster hope and provide personcentred support to those impacted by their or someone else’s opioid use in the Mississauga-Halton Local Health Integration
Network.
All services are provided from a harm reduction perspective, which respects people’s right to choose their own goals. The
Opioid Outreach & Treatment Services are provided through an integrated partnership that includes ADAPT, PAARC, Hope
Place Centres and the Salvation Army. The Peer Support Worker(s) will be based at our Argentia Road location in
Mississauga, with a focus on community outreach to Mississauga and West Etobicoke.
This position offers a 35-hour week, and may include some evening work.
PAARC is a community-based non-profit treatment agency, providing comprehensive assessment, case management, and
treatment for substance abuse, concurrent disorders and problem gambling. Our main office is located in Mississauga,
Ontario. PAARC supports the full philosophical continuum, including harm reduction, with a person-centred approach to a
wide range of client populations, and offers a variety of programs, include extensive outreach.
General Responsibilities:
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Assist in the planning of program activities
Work collaboratively with clinical staff to provide comprehensive service to clients
Conduct individual support meetings with program clients
Co-facilitate education and support groups
Accompany clients to relevant appointments, offering support and advocacy as appropriate (for example, initial
appointments with methadone prescriber)
Distribute relevant and approved information to support program and client goals
Participate in clinical and service development discussions with colleagues, as well as with the larger Opioid Services Team
Attend team meetings, supervision and training sessions as required
Participate in the promotion of the Opioid Outreach &Treatment Services
Able to work occasional evenings
Qualifications
Personal experience and knowledge of opioid and other drug use and harm reduction
Demonstrated stability in personal recovery. Please note that abstinent recovery is not a requirement of this position.
Willingness to work with a diverse group of clients from a harm reduction perspective
Excellent people skills. Must be open, non-judgmental and willing to learn.
Ability to take initiative and work independently, while also working closely with a team of colleagues and professionals.
Personal experience / knowledge of methadone and buprenorphine (Suboxone) treatments is an asset
PAARC is an equal opportunity employer. We invite applications from diverse populations groups, including applicants who
require accessibility accommodations.
All applications must include a covering letter, clearly describing suitability for the position. Please submit application by
4:00 pm on Friday, September 20, 2013, indicating Job # PSW001 in the subject line of your e-mail or fax.
We thank all applicants, and will respond to only those who are selected for an interview. PAARC uses the services of an
external human resources firm, and selected candidates may be contacted by Healthy Futures Group.
Contact Information:
Hiring Committee
Peel Addiction Assessment and Referral Centre
Fax: (905) 629-8377
E-mail: hr@paarc.com