Join us at Peel Addiction Assessment & Referral Centre (PAARC) and become a catalyst for change in the lives of individuals navigating the complexities of addiction and mental health challenges. This is more than a job—it's a chance to make a real difference in your community and to grow with a team that values your expertise and passion.

About Peel Addiction Assessment & Referral Centre (PAARC):

PAARC is a notable not-for-profit charitable organization funded by the Ministry of Health, through Ontario Health Central Region. With full accreditation from the Canadian Centre for Accreditation, we're dedicated to providing comprehensive services to those dealing with alcohol, drugs, gambling, gaming, and various behavioral dependencies, alongside supporting mental health challenges. Our commitment to a diverse, inclusive workplace and a person-centered approach underlines our services and team ethos.

Peel Addiction Assessment & Referral Centre (PAARC) is pleased to partner with the Canadian Mental Health Association Peel Dufferin (CMHA Peel Dufferin) and various other agencies in the Peel Region, including the, to offer services to the local community at the *new* Brampton based Homelessness and Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub.

HART Hubs are community-based care hubs designed to address mental health, addiction and housing needs for people experiencing homelessness. They provide integrated care, offering a wide range of services such as primary care, mental health services, addiction care and employment supports. With targeted community outreach and rapid referral pathways, HART Hubs aim to support individuals with complex needs, helping them recover, achieve housing stability, and inclusion.

Achieving our vision means we’re recruiting people who are passionate about driving change and delivering evidence-based, responsive and affirming care that meet people where they are. Are you ready to join us?

About the role

As a Peer Mentor at PAARC, you will work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to enhance the clinical work of our counsellors and case managers by providing person-centred support from a lived experience perspective. Your role will involve using a harm reduction approach to provide direct support to our clients, outreach and education.

We are hiring for one (1) full time, permanent role to work in the new Brampton HART Hub location

Benefits included: group health/dental plan, RRSP matching, LTD/life insurance, EAP, 4 weeks of vacation to start, professional development opportunities, mileage reimbursement

What you'll do

• Serve as the first point of contact for walk-in clients and callers, providing a welcoming, inclusive, and non-judgmental experience grounded in lived experience and trauma-informed care.
• Manage front desk duties, including answering phone calls, responding to emails, scheduling appointments, and supporting daily administrative operations.
• Engage clients and provide peer support to PAARC clients based on personal lived experience of addiction and recovery
• Serve as a positive role model for clients and peers, having demonstrated excellent emotional health and a balanced sense of self.
• De-escalate conflict or support individuals in distress using peer-informed and culturally responsive approaches.
• Accompany clients to appointments and distribute approved information to support program goals.
• Work collaboratively with clinical staff, community nurse counsellors, and case managers to provide holistic support.
• Participate in service development discussions, team meetings, and training sessions as required.
• Maintain organized documentation of client interactions and referrals in accordance with agency policies and confidentiality standards
• Participate in PAARC All-Staff Events, meetings and training activities, as requested
• Represent PAARC at all times in a professional manner

Skills & Competencies Required

• Demonstrated experience working within a multidisciplinary team and evidence of an ability to collaborate and partner.
• Working knowledge and/or an understanding of various disciplines; including but not exclusive of mental health, substance use, harm reduction, newcomer challenges and barriers faced by those in marginalized populations.
• Demonstrated cultural competence, ability to work and apply practical understanding of different elements of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging as well as an understanding of social determinants of health and impact on vulnerable communities.
• Knowledge of a variety of evidence-informed treatment modalities including motivational interviewing and trauma informed practices.
• Experienced at engaging in matters that require sensitivity and empathy across a diverse community, excellent judgement, and discretion; ability to operate with various frameworks including culturally sensitive, anti-racist, anti-oppressive, 2SLGBTQ+ affirming and intersectional.

Requirements

• Lived experience of addiction and active engagement in you own recovery process, including 2 years of recovery
• Completion of Secondary School or equivalent education and experience is required
• Post secondary education is an asset
• Experience in substance abuse and knowledge of issues related to withdrawal management
• Non-violent crisis intervention, CPR, and First Aid Certification
• A Criminal Records Check/Vulnerable Sector Screening is mandatory for all clinical positions at PAARC
• Language Skills: Proficiency in prevalent languages in the Region of Peel (such as Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi, Arabic) and French considered a strong asset.

Working Conditions

• Onsite at the Brampton HART Hub location (10 Peel Centre Drive, Brampton). Hours of operation are 10:00 am – 10:00 pm, Monday to Sunday (no bed services at this location)
• Shift work required: 12 hour rotational shift day/afternoons including weekends 10:00am – 10:00pm. Will work 37.5 hours per week

By joining our team at PAARC, you're not just accepting a job; you're embarking on a rewarding career path that offers growth, fulfillment, and the opportunity to contribute to a more inclusive, supportive community. Apply now to be part of a dynamic team where your work truly matters and helps transform lives every day.

PAARC is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to accessible and inclusive employment practices in compliance with AODA. We value diversity and encourage all qualified candidates, including women, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, and Aboriginal Peoples, to apply. Our commitment extends through all recruitment stages. We encourage candidates to specify if they require any accommodation to ensure their full participation in the recruitment process, striving for an inclusive work environment where everyone is respected and valued.