Peer Support Worker

Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

The Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre is seeking a Peer Support to assist women in crisis by providing practical support and access to services. This part-time position involves working from a feminist perspective within an anti-oppression framework, addressing issues such as gender-based violence and homelessness. The role offers competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, including healthcare and paid time off.

Benefits

Extended health & dental coverage

Paid vacation and sick days

Municipal Pension Plan with matching contribution

Compressed work schedule

Employee loan program

Regular staff development days

Priority for open positions

Qualifications

• At least 2 years related experience in a drop-in/shelter environment.
• Knowledgeable of issues impacting women in the DTES, including mental health and homelessness.
• Ability to work in a crisis-driven environment with multiple demands.

Responsibilities

• Support women to secure practical needs and access support services.
• Manage crises in the Drop-in and/or Shelter.
• Work collaboratively with DEWC staff to promote integrated services.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Conflict resolution

Knowledge of gender-based violence

Trauma-informed care

Education

First Aid certification

NVCI certification

Job description

The Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre exists to support and empower women and children living in extreme poverty in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, who are particularly vulnerable to violence, exploitation, injustice, and injury. Through low barrier Drop-In Centers and Emergency Shelters, DEWC provides basic need services, programs, and specialized support to over 1000 women and children daily to survive the conditions that surround them. See website (www.dewc.ca) for details on our mission, mandate, programs, and services.

The Opportunity

The Peer Support is responsible for supporting women to secure practical needs and access support services, while managing crises in the Drop-in and/or Shelter. Promoting principles of peer support, she will work in collaboration with other DEWC staff to promote integrated services to women and in-centre volunteers. She will work from a feminist perspective and within an anti-oppression framework.

About You

• You have at least 2 years related experience, preferably within a drop-in and/or shelter environment.
• You will promote and articulate the mission, mandate, philosophy, and values of DEWC.
• You are knowledgeable of issues impacting women in the DTES, including gender-based violence, mental health, homelessness, and substance use, with an understanding of trauma-informed care responses.
• You have the ability to work calmly within a busy, chaotic, crisis-driven environment where multiple demands must be prioritized.
• You are familiar with support services, agencies, and community resources.
• You have strong conflict resolution skills and demonstrate crisis intervention training and experience.
• You have or will obtain First Aid and NVCI certification.

Benefits of Joining the DEWC Team

• Healthcare: Extended health & dental coverage, including vision, prescriptions, alternative therapies, EAP, life insurance, and long-term disability.
• Paid time off: 3 weeks' vacation in the first year, increasing to 4 weeks after 1 year; 13 paid statutory holidays; 12 paid sick days annually; and time off for family or personal situations.
• Enrolled in the Municipal Pension Plan with a matching contribution from DEWC.
• Other perks: Compressed work schedule; employee loan program; regular staff development days; and priority for open positions.

Position Details

• Permanent Part-Time
• Work Schedule: Week 1: Wednesday to Saturday (6:00pm – 12:00am)
• Week 2: Thursday to Saturday (6:00pm – 12:00am)
• Union position: BCGEU
• Hourly Rate: $28.49
• Location: 265 Hastings

Application link

Indigenous women and women of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

Additional languages spoken are an asset.

**While we thank all applicants for their interest, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.**