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

CMHA Calgary; Calgary; Hybrid; CAD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A community mental health association in Calgary seeks a Facilitator for the Women of Courage initiative. The role requires delivering training for a Peer Support Worker certification, creating a supportive environment, and collaborating with mentors. The ideal candidate has a background in social work or psychology, experience in training facilitation, and a strong commitment to support survivors of family violence. This full-time position offers flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, and ends on October 31, 2026, with renewal potential.

Qualifications

• Experience in direct training facilitation is essential.
• Knowledge of peer support principles and trauma-informed care is required.
• Ability to manage sensitive topics with compassion.

Responsibilities

• Deliver over 80 hours of training on peer support principles and family violence.
• Create a psychologically safe learning environment.
• Collaborate with curriculum developers and peer mentors.

Skills

Group facilitation skills

Public speaking

Interpersonal skills

Active listening

Organizational skills

Education

Diploma or degree in social work, psychology, adult education, or related field

2–3 years of experience facilitating training or workshops

Experience working with survivors of family violence

Job description

Position Title

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 October 31, 2026, with potential for renewal aligned with funding availability

No of Positions

02

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)

Key Service Responsibilities And Specific Accountabilities

Curriculum Delivery & Instruction

• 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.

Participant Support & Learning Environment

• 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.

Program Collaboration

• 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

Education & Experience

• 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 for this exciting opportunity should email their cover letter and resume to Human Resources at [e-mail].

Please include the reference #250922-02 in your email subject line of your application.

We thank all applicants for their interest and understand only those considered for an interview will be contacted.