Indigenous Peer Support Worker

Position Overview

The Indigenous Peer Support Worker provides emotional, cultural, and practical support to individuals presenting to the emergency department who are experiencing challenges related to mental health, substance use, or any presentation requiring support. Drawing on lived or living experience and Indigenous ways of knowing, the Peer Support Worker fosters trust, empowerment, and connection to community, while supporting individuals on their healing journey. The position integrates both traditional Indigenous approaches and Western mental health practices, working collaboratively with clients, families, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and service providers.

Position Responsibilities

Supports Addictions Medicine Consult Service in coordinating care for patients with co-morbid substance use disorders presenting to the Emergency Department or other areas as required.
Coordinates patient care in consultation with the multi-disciplinary team.
Consults with all team members regarding concerns that affect departmental operation and endeavours to resolve concerns.
Responds to crises situations and critical incidents ensuring adherence to TaDH policies, procedures, and practices.
Acts as a patient/family advocate. Responds to patient/family concerns and escalates to Management as required.
Serves as a clinical resource to staff to optimize problem solving and has knowledge of resources that may be required.
Performs administrative duties such as report-writing, completing incident and communication logs.
Mobilizes colleagues to work together to improve patient care.
Advocates for policy and program changes to provide optimal care for the patient.
To provide leadership in the provision of health promotion/educational material to patients and families.
Acts to identify, diffuse, and resolve situations of potential conflict/complaints.
Other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

Completion of, or willingness to complete, Peer Support Worker Training or equivalent training.
Training in any of the following is considered an asset:
Trauma-informed care
Indigenous Cultural Safety Training (e.g., ICS, San’yas, locally delivered programs)
Mental health first aid, WRAP, ASIST (without describing content)
Harm reduction principles
Mental health and addictions certificates/courses
Experience providing peer support, mentorship, or community-based support (formal or informal) to individuals or families.
Experience working with Indigenous communities, organizations, or service providers.
Experience participating in or facilitating circles, land-based activities, cultural programming, or community events is an asset.
Experience navigating health, housing, justice, or social service systems.
Experience working with people who may face barriers such as mental health concerns, substance use, homelessness, or systemic discrimination.
Strong connection to Indigenous cultures, traditions, and communities in Northeastern Ontario.
Experience with data entry, Windows programs, and Meditech.
Knowledge of the Ontario Mental Health Act, mental health reform principles, the Substitute Decisions Act, the Health Care Consent Act and PHIPA requirements.
Demonstrated familiarity/certification of recovery-oriented approach and trauma informed care.
Ability to observe boundaries, engage in appropriate emotional regulation, refrain from dual relationships with consumers, maintain confidentiality, and engage in reasonable self-care strategies designed to reduce stress by balancing work/life responsibilities
Demonstrates effective teamwork skills with interdisciplinary team and physician team.
CPI (Crisis Prevention and Intervention) certification considered an asset.
Must have the ability to communicate effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds to present information effectively both orally and in writing.
Must possess patience, understanding and tact when dealing with patients, staff, families and visitors.
Must have physical ability to perform work requiring the lifting and transferring of incapacitated patients.
Must possess the ability to perform adequately under stress when confronted with the critical or unexpected event.
Ability to speak or understand Cree or Ojibway is considered a strong asset.

Compensation & Benefits

Starting salary of $28.95/hour; $56,452.50 /year range to 30.84/hour; $60,138.00/year
Option to enroll into Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan.

April 2, 2026

The Details

Working at the TADH
Title	Indigenous Peer Support Worker
Department	Substance Use Disorder Integrated Care Pathway
Position Status	Full-Time
Hours of Work	37.5 hours / week
Rate of Pay	Starting salary of $28.95/hour; $56,452.50 /year range to 30.84/hour; $60,138.00/year
Benefits	Pension (HOOPP), Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance
Deadline	Until Filled

Indigenous Peer Support Worker