Maccess Peer Support Volunteers

****APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS*****

****To apply for this position, please fill out the form located:  https://forms.office.com/r/fFXZSRcq48
Please do not submit your application/resume below. Candidates will only be considered if they apply through the linked form.
 

Applications will close on Friday, September 12 at 11:59pm.

Maccess in a responsible, professional, and respectful manner while in the space or participating in Maccess events. Volunteers will be responsible for assisting people using the space in accessing resources and providing services like peer support, information and referrals, and help navigating University policies.

Peer Support Volunteers will be available to offer additional peer support and knowledge to McMaster Students.

What is peer support with MACCESS:

• Typically, one on one emotional and practical support


• A space where folks feel safe to vent and can express themselves to someone who better understands them


• You are providing the role of a peer with shared lived experience that someone can talk to


• NOT COUNSELING


• Mutuality and reciprocity are important (everyone is equal!)


• Listening, validating, and creating space for folks to express themselves and any concerns they may have


• Can look different every time


• Non-judgmental, supportive, and confidential

Peer Support Volunteers are provided with training on Peer Support, MSU Maccess, and other relevant topics.

General Scope of Duties

Volunteers represent Maccess in a responsible, professional, and respectful manner while in the space or participating in Maccess events. As navigating University systems can be extremely difficult, the Peer Support Volunteers will be available to offer a variety of peer support and knowledge of navigating these structures to McMaster Students. This could involve accompanying someone to a doctor's or Student Accessibility Services Appointment, or meeting them on campus to provide peer support outside of the Maccess Space. Peer Support Volunteers are responsible for a minimum of two and a maximum of four hours of peer support a week. During these shifts, volunteers act as curators of the space and are available for one on one or group peer support. Volunteers will be responsible for assisting people using the space in accessing resources and providing services like peer support, information and referrals, and help navigating University policies.   If you are interested in this position but believe there exists any accessibility concerns surrounding the requirements of the job, please email the Maccess Coordinator at [email protected] to discuss how the position may be modified to fit your needs. 

Major Duties and Responsibilities 

• Help in the development and maintenance of an anti-ableist space on campus, which includes ensuring the privacy and the accessibility of the space 


• Required to be available for four hours of out of centre Peer Support 
  
  
  
  • EX:  accompanying someone to a doctor's or Student Accessibility Services Appointment or meeting them on campus to provide peer support outside of the Maccess Space 
  
  
  
  


• Responsible for a maximum of two hours of in centre shifts per week
  
  
  
  • Curating the space 
  
  
  • Offering peer support 
  
  
  • Providing resources and referrals 
  
  
  • Interacting with people using the space 
  
  
  • Maintaining the confidentiality of people using the space 
  
  
  
  


• Provide feedback on the service 


• Be an active member of the Maccess community  


• Volunteer, participate and provide support at Maccess events throughout the year 


• Promote campaigns, events and services provided by Maccess  


• Help in the facilitation of workshops and social events 


• Other duties as assigned by the Maccess Coordinator or executives 

Effort and Responsibility

• Maintain confidentiality of all individuals accessing Maccess


• Attend any required training sessions

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Awareness and understanding of topics associated with Maccess (i.e. intersectionality, critical disability theory, ableism, human rights, mentalism/sanism, disability history, intersecting oppressions, invisible privilege, and equity). 


• Confidence and ability to challenge dominant views 


• Interpersonal skills 


• Commitment and dedication 


• Ability to work effectively with a team and as an individual 


• Peer supporting skills 

Working Conditions

• Time demands may exceed stated hours of work

Training and Experience

• Necessary training to be provided

Equipment

• Any required equipment will be provided

Keep in mind that many of the responsibilities listed are flexible and we will work together to ensure you are able to fulfil and enjoy fulfilling your Maccess duties. Please be advised that this position also involves mandatory training and meetings.

****APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS*****

****To apply for this position, please fill out the form located:  https://forms.office.com/r/fFXZSRcq48
Please do not submit your application/resume below. Candidates will only be considered if they apply through the linked form.

We thank all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for the position, and advise that only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

The McMaster Students Union (MSU) is strongly committed to employment equity within its community and to recruiting a diverse staff. The MSU encourages applications from all qualified candidates including women, persons with disabilities, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of racialized communities and 2SLGBTQIA-identified persons. If you require any form of accommodation throughout the recruitment and selection process, please contact Human Resources at (905) 525-9140 ext. 26255, or by email at [email protected]. Please note that the MSU is an independently incorporated students’ union operating within the McMaster University community; this is not a McMaster University position.