Peer Supporter for First Responders and/or a Family Member of a First Responder

(Badge of Life Canada)

Position ID: V-CWD0297
Last Modified: 30 Sep 2024
Last Full Update: 26 Sep 2024

Opportunity Details: Peer Supporter for First Responders and/or a Family Member of a First Responder

Contact Laura Kloosterman, Executive Director, Badge of Life Canada; Phone: 705-330-5735; Email: laura@badgeoflifecanada.org
Duties

Overview:
A Peer Supporter with Badge of Life Canada plays a crucial role in providing emotional and psychological support to Public Safety Personnel (police officers, firefighters, paramedics, correctional officers, nurses, military personnel) and their families who are experiencing operational stress injuries (OSI) such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Peer Supporters create a safe, confidential, and empathetic space for individuals to share their experiences, challenges, and feelings without judgment. Through lived experience and understanding, they help others navigate mental health challenges, build resilience, and find a path to recovery.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Offer Emotional Support: Provide a non-judgmental and compassionate environment for individuals to express their feelings and challenges.
  • Active Listening: Use active listening skills to understand the concerns of participants, ensuring they feel heard and validated.
  • Share Lived Experience: Draw upon personal experiences in the public safety or military field (or from supporting a loved one in this field) to connect with participants, offering hope and encouragement.
  • Promote Mental Wellness Resources: Help participants access additional mental health resources and services as needed, including therapy, counseling, and Badge of Life Canada’s educational programs.
  • Confidentiality: Maintain the confidentiality of all discussions and interactions in accordance with Badge of Life Canada's policies.
  • Collaborate with Professionals: Work closely with mental health professionals, facilitators, and the Badge of Life Canada team to ensure participants receive the best possible support.
  • Provide Crisis Intervention: Recognize signs of crisis in participants and, if necessary, escalate the situation to appropriate professionals for further intervention.

Training and Support:
Badge of Life Canada provides comprehensive training to all Peer Supporters. Our training program equips you with the tools and skills needed to effectively support individuals dealing with operational stress injuries. This includes training in:

  • Active listening techniques
  • Crisis intervention and de-escalation
  • Recognizing signs of OSI and PTSD
  • Confidentiality and ethical boundaries
  • Best practices for peer support in a public safety context

Ongoing support and supervision will be provided to ensure Peer Supporters have access to guidance and resources while serving in their roles.

Qualifications:

  • Lived experience as a Public Safety Personnel, military member, or as a family member of someone in these roles.
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to actively listen.
  • Empathy, patience, and a non-judgmental attitude.
  • Commitment to confidentiality and ethical standards.
  • Willingness to participate in all required training sessions.

Commitment:
Peer Supporters are asked to dedicate time to facilitate or participate in peer support meetings, either virtually or in person, on a regular basis (typically weekly or bi-weekly). Flexibility in schedule is important, as meetings may vary depending on participant needs.

Impact:
As a Peer Supporter with Badge of Life Canada, you will play a vital role in helping individuals and families cope with the challenges of operational stress injuries. Your support can make a meaningful difference in their mental health journey, providing them with hope, strength, and a path toward healing.

More Info Link https://badgeoflifecanada.org/volunteers/
Benefits 1. Make a Meaningful Impact: 
As a Peer Supporter, you have the unique opportunity to provide life-changing emotional support to Public Safety Personnel and their families. You help individuals facing significant challenges, offering them a safe space to share their experiences and guiding them toward healing. 
 
2. Personal Growth and Fulfillment: 
Helping others navigate their mental health challenges can be incredibly fulfilling. By supporting others, you may also find deeper insights into your own experiences and personal growth in understanding resilience, empathy, and connection. 
 
3. Strengthen Your Communication and Listening Skills: 
Through Badge of Life Canada’s training, you’ll enhance your active listening, communication, and emotional support skills. These abilities are invaluable both in peer support work and in everyday life. 
 
4. Build Community and Connections: 
As a Peer Supporter, you’ll join a community of like-minded individuals who share a common mission of helping first responders and their families. This role allows you to form meaningful connections with others who understand the unique challenges faced by this population. 
 
5. Receive Comprehensive Training and Ongoing Support: 
Badge of Life Canada provides all the training you need to become an effective Peer Supporter. You’ll be equipped with tools, resources, and guidance from experienced professionals, ensuring you feel confident in your role. 
 
6. Enhance Mental Health Advocacy: 
As a Peer Supporter, you contribute to breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health issues in public safety professions. By sharing your lived experience, you become an advocate for mental wellness and help promote a culture of understanding and support. 
 
7. Flexibility to Give Back on Your Terms: 
Peer Supporters have the flexibility to volunteer based on their availability, whether through virtual or in-person sessions. This allows you to contribute to the cause while balancing other commitments in your life. 
 
8. Be Part of a Positive Change: 
You play a crucial role in helping to build a healthier, more supportive environment for Public Safety Personnel and their families. By contributing to their mental wellness, you’re part of a larger movement working toward lasting, positive change in the community. 
 
Becoming a Peer Supporter allows you to make a tangible difference in the lives of others while enriching your own life through personal connections, growth, and advocacy.
Clients First Responders and their families
Ages 18 year(s) and up
Suitable for Highschool Credit Hours No
Areas of Interest Group / Family Volunteering
Skills/Experience Communication & Interpersonal Skills ; Confidentiality ; Counseling & Support ; Dependability & Trustworthiness ; Friendly & Outgoing ; Listening Skills ; Patience ; Positive / Cheerful Demeanor ; Self-Motivated / Work Independently ; Team Work
Commitment Length Long Term (More than 1 year)
Interaction Level Solitary ; One-on-one ; Small Group ; Large Group ; Virtual Volunteering
Minimum Hours 4 / Week
Accessibility Not Applicable
Location Virtual
Number of Positions Adjala-Tosorontio ; Alcona ; Alliston ; Balm Beach ; Barrie ; Beeton ; Belle Ewart ; Bradford West Gwillimbury ; Brechin ; Cedar Point ; Christian Island ; Clearview (Simcoe County) ; Coldwater ; Collingwood ; Cookstown ; Craighurst ; Creemore ; Elmvale ; Essa ; Gilford ; Grenfel ; Hillsdale ; Innisfil ; Lafontaine ; Lefroy ; Midhurst ; Midland ; Minesing ; New Lowell ; New Tecumseth ; Orillia and area ; Oro Station ; Oro-Medonte ; Penetanguishene ; Perkinsfield ; Phelpston ; Port McNicoll ; Rama ; Ramara ; Severn ; Simcoe County ; South Simcoe ; Springwater ; Stayner ; Stroud ; Tay ; Tiny ; Toanche ; Vasey ; Victoria Harbour ; Wasaga Beach ; Waubaushene ; Waverley ; Wyebridge ; Wyevale 
 
5 individual(s) needed in total.
Training Training is provided
Police Check Required
Start Date On or after 26 Sep 2024

Agency Details: Badge of Life Canada

Office Phone No public phone number available
E-Mail info@badgeoflifecanada.org
Website badgeoflifecanada.org
Address & Map
3-200 Memorial Ave
Suite 131
Orillia, ON
Canada L3V 5X6
Mailing Address 3-200 Memorial Ave 
Suite 131 
Orillia, ON 
Canada L3V 5X6