Student Assistant - Campus Peer Support Worker (Up to 3 Positions) - Counselling Services - Student Experience Hub at University of Prince Edward Island

The Campus Peer Support program, operating under the auspices of the Counselling Services unit provides regular peer support – both walk-in and by appointment – to students on campus. Training, developed by CMHA and aligned with principles established by Peer Support Canada, will be provided as a part of the selection process. Campus Peer Support provides students in need with the opportunity to talk about their concerns and experiences and engage in exploration of problem solving and coping approaches with a Peer who can leverage their own lived experience to find strength and solace. Peer Supporters are trained and supervised by Counselling staff

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The successful candidates will be part of team of individuals who:

• Draw on their personal lived experience, as well as their training to facilitate informal, drop-in small group discussions
• Draw on their personal lived experience, as well as their training to facilitate brief, one-on-one supportive conversations with individuals struggling with mental health and/or additions or in supporting someone living with the same
• Attend weekly team meetings
• Participate in monthly in-service training
• Complete progress reports and submit them to the coordinator
• Keep shift records and document situations requiring follow-up

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be a UPEI student in good academic standing
• Self-motivated students with second year standing or higher (exceptional, mature first-year applicants may be considered)
• Lived experience with mental health of substance use problems, or in support of a family member or loved one, and stable in their recovery
• Strong communication and support skills
• Able to operate in a non-judgmental fashion in an emotionally charged environment while maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality
• Ability to work with minimal supervision
• Student centered, dependable and reliable
• Lived experience as a part of, or in support of equity seeking populations is an asset
• Must be available for all training sessions

Up to 10 suitable candidates will be invited to participate in training taking place over 3 weeks starting January 6, 2025. Completion of the program is mandatory and a part of the selection process. While not all who complete the program will be selected as Campus Peer Support workers, all who complete the training program will receive a certificate of completion. At the end of the training, the three candidates who will best help complete the Campus Peer Support Team will be offered a position

Priority will be given to University of Prince Edward Island students in accordance with Recruitment, Selection, Hiring and Employment Policies and the Procedures manual.