Peer Outreach Worker

Somerset West Community Health Centre; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A community health organization in Ottawa is seeking a Peer Outreach Worker to support individuals facing substance use and mental health challenges. The role involves conducting outreach services, providing education on harm reduction, and advocating for clients. Ideal candidates have lived experience related to substance use and strong communication skills. The position offers a competitive salary and a supportive environment.

Benefits

Time-off entitlements

Health benefits

Life insurance

Participation in the HOOPP pension plan

Qualifications

• Living experience of intravenous drug use, homelessness, or street involvement is an asset.
• Experience with overdose response is an asset.
• Police record check required.

Responsibilities

• Welcoming and orienting new clients.
• Providing outreach services to connect with clients.
• Helping clients identify their needs and connect to supports.

Skills

Lived experience with substance use

Good de-escalation skills

Strong communication skills

Knowledge of harm reduction gear

Education

High School or postsecondary education

Job description

Overview

Career Opportunity

Position Title: Peer Outreach Worker

Classification: Counsellor, Level 2

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time, 1 FTE (35 hs/week) Day, evening, overnight, and weekend shift work will be required

Department: Supportive Housing & Substance Use Health

Location: Various Locations

Reporting to: Outreach Manager

Compensation: $27.92/hr - $33.68/hr plus a comprehensive compensation package that includes time-off entitlements, health benefits, life insurance, and participation in the HOOPP pension plan

Deadline to apply: October 10, 2025 by 5:00pm

Apply to: https://swchc.bamboohr.com/careers/730

Apply via: _SWCHC Careers portal_

About us

We are Somerset West Community Health Centre (SWCHC), a non-profit, community-governed organization that serves over 18,000 clients annually. Established in 1978, SWCHC provides a wide range of health care services such as primary health care, health promotion, community development, mental health, and harm reduction. We are deeply connected to the communities we serve and committed to removing barriers to accessing services for people who experience vulnerabilities because of age, income, ability, sexual orientation or gender identity, language or culture.

SWCHC strives to ensure that our team reflects the communities we serve. We work within an anti-racist, anti-oppressive framework that acknowledges the existence and impacts of systemic racism and seeks to ensure that systems are fair and equitable for everyone.

What the Program Entails

We are seeking passionate, dedicated individuals to join our dynamic team in the Supportive Housing & Substance Use Health program and contribute to meaningful change in the community. Join us at SWCHC and become part of a dedicated team that is making a difference by providing integrated, person-centered care that empowers individuals and fosters lasting change.

What You’ll Do

Reporting to the Manager, Outreach Programs, the Peer Outreach Team works as part of an interdisciplinary team to organize and support individuals dealing with substance use, mental health challenges, and homelessness. The Peer Outreach Team will work in conjunction with all outreach programs at Somerset West CHC and Supportive Housing & Substance Use Health programs to provide a safe and accepting environment where clients can discuss their challenges without fear of judgment. This helps to reduce stigma and encourages open communication. The Peer Outreach Team will help clients access information about harm reduction strategies, such as drug poisoning prevention, and mental health resources. They will also connect clients to other services, such as basic needs, primary care, treatment options, housing and counselling services. They may also offer support in developing coping strategies, life skills, and decision-making abilities. This empowerment will help clients take control of their lives and make informed choices. Additionally, the Peer Outreach Team will advocate for their clients within healthcare and social service systems, helping them navigate complex barriers and access the services they need.

In times of crisis, the Peer Outreach Team can provide immediate support, helping clients manage situations related to their substance use or mental health. Peer Outreach Team will provide ongoing encouragement and motivation, helping clients set realistic goals and celebrate their achievements, no matter how small.

What We’re Looking For

Life and Work Experience

• Living and lived experience of intravenous drug use, homelessness, street involvement or sex work is an asset.
• Experience advocating for people who use drugs is an asset.
• Experience with overdose response is an asset.
• High School or postsecondary education is an asset.
• 1-2 years’ experience volunteering or working in a harm reduction, drop-in or shelter program is an asset.
• A police record check is required for this position; however, candidates with certain criminal charges may be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on the nature of the offense.

Your Education Path

• No educational requirement, this position is designated for people with living and lived experience, specifically drug use.
• High School or postsecondary education is an asset.

Required Language

• French is an asset.
• Proficiency in other languages is considered an asset.

What You Bring to the Table

• Lived experience with substance use
• Know about the challenges people who use drugs face
• Know about peer-to-peer support
• Know about harm reduction gear and support
• Able to work with and be around active drug users
• Good de-escalation skills
• Welcoming and non-judgmental
• Committed to an anti-oppressive approach and treating all individuals with respect
• Able to stay calm under pressure and always be respectful to clients
• Ability to keep client information confidential
• Strong communication skills
• Strong problem solving and boundaries
• Experience with overdose prevention and emergency response, naloxone training is an asset
• Knowledge and understanding of sexually transmitted and blood borne infections like HIV and Hepatitis transmission
• Know about community resources
• Availability to work days, evenings, overnight, and weekends
• Ability to work well with others as part of a team
• Basic knowledge of and experience working with computers
• Valid driver’s license (Class G or equivalent) and a clean driving record is an asset

Physical/Mental/Emotional Requirements

• Lift and carry items, approximately 25-30 lbs per shift, through extended foot outreach, and up to 50 lbs in standing position
• Walk approximately 5 km over a shift, including on uneven ground and with limited visibility; ability to provide mobile outreach support
• Make rapid safety and risk decisions using strong clinical judgment
• Assess safety to enter unknown locations (usually in public)
• Collect and safely dispose of used inhalation and injection equipment
• Work within a diverse team and collaborate with partner agencies
• Engage with people in crisis and use conflict de-escalation skills when needed
• Manage multiple urgent, competing tasks daily
• Expect exposure to psychological and emotional stressors, vicarious trauma, and potential risks of violence

Your Day-to-Day at a Glance

As our Peer Outreach Worker your responsibilities are:

• Welcoming and orienting new clients
• Outreach services to connect with clients and refer to the Supportive Housing & Substance Use Health services
• Assist clients to identify their needs and connect them to the necessary supports within the programs
• Harm reduction education – referral to appropriate service providers
• Giving out Naloxone Kit
• Provide outreach supports to clients within the community to access Supportive Housing & Substance Use Health services
• Peer Outreach Team will provide leadership through mentoring, empowering, and advocating for clients to access supports and help identify goals
• Some data entry
• Learn and follow policies & procedures
• Read and respond to emails
• You will receive job-specific training, including overdose prevention, Naloxone administration, and oxygen use, but you will only be expected to assist in an emergency if both you and the Team Lead agree you are ready

Ready to Apply?

Take your career to the next level! Submit a cover letter and your resume by 5:00pm on October 10, 2025 to: https://swchc.bamboohr.com/careers/730

Somerset West Community Health Centre is an equal opportunity employer who values the diversity of individuals in our programs and services.

We welcome and encourage applications from Indigenous, Black and racialized communities, Two-Spirit, nonbinary, LGBTQ+ people; people with disabilities; and members of other equity seeking groups. Applicants are encouraged to share accessibility needs in the application process, and every attempt will be made to accommodate them.

We sincerely appreciate your interest in working with us. Due to high volume of applicants, we can neither confirm receipt of nor respond to inquiries regarding your application. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.