Peer Specialist - Indigenous Early Psychosis Intervention (Contract) (71-26)

                 INTERNAL/EXTERNAL POSTING: OPEN UNTIL OCTOBER 9, 2026, AT 4PM

                                  PEER SPECIALIST – INDIGENOUS EPI (CONTRACT) (71-26)

                                    INDIGENOUS EARLY PSYCHOSIS INTERVENTION

                                                B’SAANIBAMAADSIWIN PROGRAM

Hours of Work: 14 hours per week (0.4 FTE)

Job Status: Contract – October 2026 to March 2027

Base office: Muskoka District (Bracebridge, Gravenhurst) or Parry Sound District (Parry Sound, Sundridge)

Competition #: 71-26

Purpose of the Position: The Peer Specialist – Indigenous Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI) draws upon lived experience of mental health challenges and recovery, and/or the experience of supporting a family member through mental illness, to provide peer-based support, advocacy, practical assistance and hope. The position is housed within B’saanibamaadsiwin and works across both the Muskoka and Parry Sound EPI teams, supporting Indigenous and non-Indigenous clients and families throughout the region. The Peer Specialist works collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams while maintaining the distinct role and boundaries of peer support, and helps connect people with recovery, community, cultural and wellness resources based on their goals and preferences. Services may be provided from agency offices, in community settings and virtually. Peer services will be recovery-oriented, culturally safe and person-centered, and offered in accordance with the province-wide EPI coordinated specialty care model (NAVIGATE).

Education and Qualifications:

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent.


• Personal lived experience with the mental health system as a consumer/survivor and/or family member, with the ability to use that experience intentionally, appropriately and safely in a peer support role.


• Lived experience related to psychosis or early psychosis, or experience supporting someone through psychosis, is considered an asset.


• Knowledge of peer support principles, including mutuality, self-determination, hope, recovery, strengths-based practice, appropriate self-disclosure, confidentiality and role boundaries.


• Certification with Ontario Peer Development Initiative (OPDI), another recognized peer support program, or willingness to complete required peer support training.


• Demonstrated knowledge of Indigenous peoples, communities, cultures, histories and contemporary realities within Muskoka and Parry Sound, including communities within the Williams Treaties and Robinson-Huron Treaty territories.


• Knowledge and awareness of Indigenous culture, the importance of traditional language, and traditional and non-traditional approaches to healing and wellness, including the roles of Elders, Knowledge Keepers and Healers and a Two-Eyed Seeing approach.


• Understanding of the impacts of colonization and systemic barriers on Indigenous peoples and their experiences within health and mental health systems.


• Ability to provide culturally safe, respectful and inclusive support to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous clients and families.


• Excellent communication, organization, listening and interpersonal skills, with the ability to develop respectful, non-judgmental and trusting relationships.


• Ability to work autonomously as well as cooperatively within multidisciplinary teams in a rural setting while maintaining the distinct role of peer support.


• Awareness of psychosocial rehabilitation and recovery-oriented principles and practices is considered an asset.


• A commitment to the rights, dignity and self-determination of people experiencing mental health and/or addiction challenges.


• Working knowledge of Microsoft Windows, the Internet and data management software.


• Willingness and ability to provide services in person and virtually and to travel throughout the Districts of Muskoka and Parry Sound.


• A valid Ontario G or G2 driver’s licence, a safe and reliable means of transportation, and appropriate insurance for work purposes on your vehicle with a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability coverage.

• Bilingualism in French and English is considered an asset.

Qualified applicants who self-identify as Indigenous will be given priority. Demonstrated Indigenous cultural knowledge, community experience and understanding are mandatory requirements of this position.

Salary scale: $25.26 to $29.98 per hour commensurate with qualifications and experience

You are invited to submit your application by quoting competition number 71-26 by 4pm on Friday, October 9, 2026:

                                                            The Hiring Committee

                      Canadian Mental Health Association, Muskoka-Parry Sound Branch

                                                 173-202 Manitoba Street

                                              Bracebridge, Ontario P1L 1S3

                               Telephone: (705) 645-2262    Online: CMHA MPS Careers

Canadian Mental Health Association Muskoka – Parry Sound (CMHAMPS) is an equal opportunity employer, and we value the importance of diversity, dignity and worth of every individual in the workplace.

Qualified consumers/survivors and/or family members are encouraged to apply

We retain all applications submitted for one year after the closing date of this posting for consideration in any future postings.

As part of our commitment to Accessibility, if you wish this information in a different format, please contact our office at 705-645-2262 or email [email protected]. 

If you are contacted regarding a job opportunity, please let us know prior to the interview if you require accommodation.

We thank all applicants but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.