Peer Support Worker

Vancouver Island Health Authority; Nanaimo; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 50,000; Part time

Job summary

Vancouver Island Health Authority is seeking a Peer Support Worker to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, providing services to clients with histories of homelessness, psychiatric disability, and substance use. Travel between sites may be required as part of the role.

You will work with adults and youth, using clinical and communication skills to support recovery, education, and engagement within a flexible care environment.

Qualifications

• Past or current recipient of mental health and/or substance abuse services.
• Experience in social services, supported housing/addictions/public health.
• Grade 12; Community Mental Health Certificate or Addiction Worker Certificate.
• Completion of Peer Support Training or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Valid BC Class 5 Driver's License.
• Experience working with adults and youth with mental health or substance use issues.

Responsibilities

• Peer Support Worker collaborates with the multidisciplinary team to provide required services.
• Shares responsibility for clients who have histories of homelessness, psychiatric disability, substance abuse, criminal justice and trauma.
• Travel may be required; transportation arrangements must meet operational requirements.

Education

Grade 12

Community Mental Health Certificate

Addiction Worker Certificate

Peer Support Training

BC Class 5 Driver's License

Job description

Work Area (FBA Only)

Multi-Site

Yes

Travel Requirement

Travel between multiple sites may be required

Shift Start Time/End Time

0900-2000

Days Off

Rotating

Vacancy Type

Regular PT

Salary Range (Hourly Rate)

$33.49 - $35.31

Paid FTE

0.84

Worked BI-WEEKLY HOURS

60.00

Planned Start Date

Sep. 17 2026

Approximate End Date (For Temporary Assignments ONLY)

Pending Return of Incumbent

No

CRC required? (employee will be working with or have access to children or vulnerable adults and requires a Criminal Record Check)

Yes

Job Description

In accordance with the Vision, Purpose, and Values, and strategic direction of Island Health (Vancouver Island Health Authority), patient and staff safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone; as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

Peer Support Workers work together with the multidisciplinary team to provide services in a flexible, compassionate and responsible manner. The Peer Support Worker provides and organizes required services and shares responsibility with the team for clients who have histories of homelessness, psychiatric disability, substance abuse, criminal justice, and other trauma.

Travel may be a requirement of this position and transportation arrangements must meet the operational requirements of the Vancouver Island Health Authority in accordance with the service assignment and may require the use of a personal vehicle.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Training And Experience

Past or current recipient of mental health and/or substance abuse services. Experience in social services, supported housing/addictions/Public Health.

Grade 12; Community Mental Health Certificate or Addiction Worker Certificate. Completion of a recognized Peer Support Training course or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Valid BC Class 5 Driver's License.

Experience working with adults and youth with mental health or substance use issues.

Skills And Abilities

• Ability to apply clinical and critical thinking expertise.
• Experience in the delivery of education programs.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Physical ability to perform duties of the position.
• Ability to use an electronic file system for service delivery.