“WE CARE” Peer Support Volunteer

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Joanne Cleland, Program Manager

PURPOSE OF POSITION:  To provide “We Care” packages and peer support to Mental Health inpatients

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• provide one-on-one peer support to in-patients of the mental health unit at Brantford General Hospital
• make hospital visits with another volunteer as needed
• provide “We Care” hygiene packages to staff-referred or self-referred patients
• attend peer support volunteer meetings
• report to the Program Manager ie. statistics of number of packages given out each week and the number of inpatients requesting peer support
• seek assistance from the supervisor when guidance is needed for the participant/volunteer relationship
• maintain confidentiality of participants, volunteers and staff of the “We Care” program

HOURS/LOCATION:

• We Care runs every Friday at Brant Community Healthcare System from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. 
• We Care volunteers are asked to commit to two Friday mornings per month

QUALIFICATIONS:

• *current or former user of mental health services
• sociable and friendly
• non-judgemental and respectful approach to others
• able to maintain responsible boundaries with others
• able to feel comfortable in the hospital setting
• satisfactory vulnerable sector police record check
• Understanding and knowledge of Peer support roles.
• Peer Support Training, SafeTalk, ASIST or Mental Health First Aid an asset

TRAINING PROVIDED:

• Orientation to HOPE
• 28 hours of formal peer support training (after 6 months of volunteering)
• 4 hours of job shadowing a peer support worker
• Orientation to the We Care group at the hospital
• Additional training as available

SUPERVISION PROVIDED:

• Debriefing with Program Manager after each hospital presentation
• Attend volunteer meetings as scheduled

To apply, please fill in the volunteer application and forward it to mail@hopebrant.ca