Facilitator – Women of Courage: Peer Support Worker Certification for Survivors of Family Violence

CMHA Calgary; Calgary; Hybrid; CAD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A mental health organization in Calgary is seeking a Facilitator for the Women of Courage program to deliver training for Peer Support Worker certification aimed at survivors of family violence. The role requires strong facilitation and public speaking skills, along with a deep understanding of trauma-informed care. The position offers a flexible schedule, primarily classroom-based with hybrid options, and is a full-time fixed-term contract until October 31, 2026.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2–3 years of experience facilitating training or workshops.
• Direct experience working with survivors of family violence or vulnerable populations required.
• Knowledge of peer support principles and trauma-informed care.

Responsibilities

• Deliver 80+ hours of training in peer support principles and ethics.
• Establish a psychologically safe and inclusive classroom culture.
• Support evaluation efforts by collecting feedback and tracking participant progress.

Skills

Group facilitation

Public speaking

Active listening

Organizational skills

Education

Diploma or degree in social work or related field

Job description

Overview

Description: Facilitator – Women of Courage: Peer Support Worker Certification for Survivors of Family Violence. Program: Community Care and Peer Initiatives – Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Calgary Region. Position Type: Full-time, aligned with training schedule, fixed-term contract ending 31 October 2026 with potential for renewal aligned with funding availability. No. of Positions: 2. Hours of Work: 35 hours per week; flexible schedule with availability for evenings and weekends.

Position Summary: The Facilitator will deliver classroom training for the Women of Courage initiative, a tailored Peer Support Worker certification stream for survivors of family violence. This role involves co-developing and delivering trauma-informed curriculum, creating a safe and supportive learning environment, and equipping participants with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to serve as certified Peer Support Workers. The Facilitator will model recovery-oriented practices, integrate lived experience perspectives, and collaborate closely with peer mentors and partner agencies to ensure a healing-centered learning experience.

Reports To: Team Lead, Women of Courage Project.

Location: Calgary, Alberta (hybrid – classroom, community sites, and remote delivery).

Responsibilities

• Deliver 80+ hours of training in peer support principles, ethics, and family-violence–specific content (trauma, boundaries, safety planning, resilience, and system navigation).
• Adapt facilitation style to meet diverse learning needs, literacy levels, and lived experiences.
• Incorporate adult learning principles, experiential activities, and reflective practice exercises.
• Model trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, and strength-based approaches throughout training.

• Establish a psychologically safe, inclusive, and empowering classroom culture.
• Respond sensitively to participant disclosures and ensure appropriate referrals are made when additional support is needed.
• Provide individualized coaching, feedback, and encouragement to support participant success.
• Promote peer-to-peer learning, mutual support, and community building within the cohort.

• Work with the Team Lead and curriculum developers to refine training content and materials.
• Collaborate with peer mentors to provide wraparound support for participants.
• Participate in facilitator debriefs, reflective practice, and team meetings.
• Support evaluation efforts by collecting feedback, tracking participant progress, and contributing to continuous program improvement.

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in social work, psychology, adult education, community development, or related field (equivalent lived/living experience will be considered).
• Minimum 2–3 years of experience facilitating training, workshops, or group learning.
• Direct experience working with survivors of family violence, trauma, or vulnerable populations required.
• Knowledge of peer support principles, recovery models, and trauma-informed care.
• Experience co-facilitating with peers or incorporating lived experience into training is an asset.

Skills & Attributes

• Strong group facilitation, public speaking, and adult education skills.
• Ability to hold space for sensitive and emotionally charged topics with compassion and professionalism.
• Excellent interpersonal and active listening skills.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage group dynamics.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation.

Working Conditions

• Classroom-based facilitation (in-person and/or virtual).
• Flexible schedule required during training delivery, including potential evenings or weekends.
• Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced, emotionally complex learning environment.

Application Information

Application closing date: October 10, 2025.

Candidates meeting the above criteria who wish to apply should email their cover letter and resume to Human Resources at [e-mail], including the reference #250922-02 in the email subject line.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted.