Peer Support Group Facilitator
Bereaved Families of Ontario Southwest Region (BFO-SW) is a non-profit, mutual aid organization. We provide a safe place where members can talk about their loss, share their story, and express their grief. Our Group Facilitators lead open and closed peer support groups for individuals who have experienced a loss through the death of a loved one; leading peer-to-peer support delivery with compassion and understanding in a non-judgmental environment.
SUMMARY
Journey alongside members as they navigate their grief and mourn the loss of their loved one;
Listen empathetically by giving your full attention to the speaker;
Establish and maintain physical, emotional, and social/cultural safety;
Connect group members with additional resources;
Promote, initiate and guide interactions that are characterized by equality and non-judgment;
Role model in the expression of authentic emotion and respectful, empathetic interactions;
Observe group members’ expressions and reactions;
Identify, intervene and help to resolve conflict;
Explore opportunities for growth and change;
Able to listen attentively to what participants are sharing, hold space for others, and be focused on supporting their grief experience, not your own;
Opportunities to volunteer at fundraising events such as BINGO, golf tournaments, and more.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
- Facilitators must be 18 years of age or older;
- Having lived experience with loss and being on a journey of healing is required to provide peer support to participants;
- A minimum 6 month commitment is preferred; approx. 2 hours per month;
- A background in Social Work, Counselling, Psychology, Thanatology, or related disciplines is strongly preferred;
- Access to a computer device in a private, quiet room with internet (for virtual groups) is required; ability to travel within the London area for in-person groups is required;
- Being able to demonstrate compassion, inclusivity, authenticity, adaptability, integrity, non-judgment, resiliency, and self-management;
- A Vulnerable Sector Police Check will be required prior to facilitating groups (no older than 1 year; otherwise, the cost of the VSC will be reimbursed by BFO-SW);
- Applicants must commit to an online volunteer facilitator training if selected as a successful applicant;
- Experience with art or music therapy, yoga instruction, mindfulness, or other related self-care/healthcare modalities; any additional mental health support training such as SafeTalk, ASSIST, Mental Health First Aid would be strongly beneficial.
HOW TO APPLY