Peer Mentor

(Ontario Caregiver Organization)

EXPIRED
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

Agency Details: Ontario Caregiver Organization