POSITION TITLE: Student Peer Supporter (up to 10 positions)
CLOSING DATE: August 1, 2024
EMPLOYMENT DATES: August 26 – April 15 2024
HOURS OF WORK: Up to 10 hours per week
RATE OF PAY: $16.55/hour plus Vacation Pay as determined by HR Policy
JOB DESCRIPTION:
“Peer Support is a supportive relationship between people who have lived experience in common” - MHCC
We are seeking Student Peer Supporters to assist in delivering the services provided by the Peer Support Program at Nipissing University. The vision of the program aims to connect caring and trained student peer supporters with students who may benefit from added support, having a safe space to connect with other students. Inclusive support, connection, encouragement and acting as a referral agent for campus and community resources, as needed, are some of the key responsibilities Student Peer Supporters would assume in this role. Peer Support aims to help Nipissing students feel less alone in their overall Post-secondary experience by encouraging students to get involved and live a more balanced and meaningful life as they navigate both their academic and personal journeys.
This position reports directly to the Peer Support and Outreach Lead, Student Counselling Services.
DUTIES INCLUDE:
This position will assist with the following duties:
- Assume regular peer support shifts according to the schedule and availability
- Foster a positive, friendly, and inclusive atmosphere within the Peer Support Program
- Meet with students/ peers in a drop-in and/ or one-to-one setting and provide support, education and information to students about resources both on and off campus, if appropriate
- Attend all required team meetings (bi-weekly), including regular check-ins after each shift with co-peer supporters and supervisor.
- Student Peer Supporters will be expected to maintain ongoing communication with their supervisor in-person, via Microsoft Teams, by email and telephone.
- Participate in ongoing individual and group training and skill development
- Role model appropriate personal behaviour and boundaries at all times, including adhering to the Nipissing University Student Code of Rights and Responsibilities
- Adhere to program standards, operational procedures, professional boundaries and engage in professional ethical behaviour by acting within the scope of a peer relationship
- Exercise good judgment and critical thinking skills under stressful situations and must be able to recognize limitations of their role
- Maintain strict confidentiality
- Assist in data collection for program evaluation and reporting
- Participate in outreach initiatives, as needed
- Other duties as assigned
As part of the onboarding process for this role, candidates must be able to attend the training dates below and complete the following requirements:
- August 26th- 29th 9:00am to 4:00pm – On Campus training
- Complete and submit all required HR paperwork prior to starting employment
- Obtain a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening
- Availability to a minimum of 2 shifts per week - Monday – Friday from 12:45pm – 4:15pm during the academic year
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:
- Nipissing Student
- Lived experience with mental health and/or substance use challenges (diagnosis/disclosure not required)
- Excellent level of responsibility, reliability, and initiative
- Good interpersonal communication skills and ability to relate to people from varying educational, cultural, and social backgrounds
- Availability to work some ad hoc evenings and weekends, if scheduled
- In good academic and student conduct standing
- Strong rapport-building, organizational, and listening skills
- Insight into personal limitations and strengths
- Act as a good role model for self-care, wellness and resiliency
- Able to identify and support solution finding in others and open to receiving feedback
- Able to provide non-judgmental support
- Able to identify opportunities for learning and growth
- Culturally sensitive and value diversity
- Must provide documentation of a “negative” Criminal Record/Vulnerable Sector Check (less than 1 year old)
- Must be able to attend ALL required training dates in order to qualify for an interview.
*By applying for this position, you are providing your consent for Student Development and Services staff to verify your student status and academic standing.
** Due to the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers Professional Practice Standards requiring professional and appropriate boundaries (OCSWSSW Principle 2.2.1) students who are currently receiving services from our program are not eligible for this position. We encourage these candidates to apply for other employment opportunities with Nipissing University.
*This position is subject to budgetary approval*
To apply for this position, please submit a resume and cover letter (in one document) referencing the job title in the subject line and two (2) professional and/or personal references to studentjobs@nipissingu.ca.
A separate email for each position must be submitted if applying for multiple positions.
We thank all applicants; however, only those to be considered for an interview will be contacted.
Nipissing University is committed to employment equity and strongly encourages applications, which may include self-identification in a cover letter from Indigenous peoples, women, persons with disabilities, persons who identify as 2SLGBTQI+ and racialized minorities.
Nipissing University must gather information from applicants to determine eligibility to work in Canada. Please include a statement in your application to identify whether you are a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident or are otherwise legally eligible to work in Canada. You must be able to provide proof of being a full-time post-secondary student, have a valid work study permit and a Social Insurance Number in order to work on-campus.
Nipissing University will provide accommodation to ensure barrier-free employment in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. You can request accommodation at any stage of the hiring process. If you require an accommodation please contact Human Resources at access@nipissingu.ca.