Peer Mentor
(Ontario Caregiver Organization)
Position ID: V-HVC0227
Last Full Update: 08 Jul 2022
Opportunity Details: Peer Mentor
Contact | Stacy Chung, Engagement Lead, Ontario Caregiver Organization; Email: stacyc@ontariocaregiver.ca |
Duties | Mentoring is a method of passing on lived experiences to support another caregiver in an empowering and meaningful way. Anyone who has been a caregiver will know that the caregiving role presents many challenges. These challenges will be different for every caregiver and from time to time support will be needed. Purpose: To participate in the Ontario Caregiver Organization’s 1:1 Peer Support Program as a Peer Mentor, delivering emotional support to other caregivers as they navigate their caregiving journey. Responsibilities • Be familiar with OCO’s mission, vision and programs and supports • Facilitate peer support programs in a confidential, non-judgmental and friendly atmosphere • Expertly guide conversations that allow caregivers to meet others with similar and dissimilar caregiving experiences • Offer support and guidance on matters that help caregivers in their journey • Provide feedback on OCO’s programs and resources that can help shape the ongoing delivery of OCO’s support and resources for caregivers • Maintain confidentiality on sensitive issues as per OCO’s confidentiality agreement • Communicate in a timely matter any concerns or issues to OCO staff liaison • Follow all policies and procedures outlined in OCO’s volunteer handbook • Understand and accept the roles and responsibilities of the peer support program • Successfully complete all peer mentor training Qualifications • Caregiver who is currently or has previously provided physical and/or emotional support to a family member, partner, friend or neighbor • Passionate about and committed to ensuring all caregivers in Ontario feel supported and valued • Possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills • Demonstrate maturity, comfort and understanding around the caregiver process, its challenges and issues • Ability to read people and situations (i.e. when to talk, when to listen, when to offer input, etc.) • Experience working without supervision in situations that require critical thinking and flexibility in how and when to respond • Be comfortable working with a wide variety of people • Have a positive, caring and non-judgmental approach to supporting others • Be emotionally able to provide support to others • Ability to constructively participate in discussions with people of different backgrounds and experiences • Must be over 18 years of age Commitment: We ask all interested candidates to commit to participating in the program for a minimum of one year. We ask for a time commitment of 1-2 hours a week. As part of our screening, Peer Mentors are required to complete a reference check and a Criminal Records Check. Support • Orientation and training for this position will be provided • Staff will maintain on-going supervision, support and regular 'check-ins' The Ontario Caregiver Organization invites caregivers with diverse backgrounds from across Ontario to join our 1:1 Peer Support Program as a Peer Mentor. We are actively recruiting bilingual or multilingual caregivers who are fluent in English and other languages, and caregivers with experience caring for a spouse or child. |
More Info Link | https://ontariocaregiver.ca/peersupport/ |
Benefits | • Utilize your personal caregiving experience to support other caregivers • Be part of a meaningful volunteer experience • Gain training and experience in peer support skills |
Clients | Caregivers |
Ages | 18 year(s) - 100 year(s) |
Suitable For | Adults (18+) ; Seniors (55+) ; Post-secondary students ; Newcomers / English as a second language |
Areas of Interest | Counselling ; Volunteer from Home / Virtual |
Skills/Experience | Communication & Interpersonal Skills ; Confidentiality ; Counseling & Support ; Customer Service ; Dependability & Trustworthiness ; Friendly & Outgoing ; Listening Skills ; Mentoring & Training ; Patience |
Commitment Length | Long Term - 1 year committment |
Interaction Level | One-on-one - 1:1 peer support via telephone ; Virtual Volunteering - 1:1 peer support via telephone |
Minimum Hours | 2 / Week |
Seasons | Year Round |
Accessibility | Not Applicable |
Number of Positions | Acton ; Burlington ; Georgetown ; Hamilton ; Milton ; Oakville 50 individual(s) needed in total. |
Training | Orientation ; Training is provided ; Training on-going |
Police Check | Required |