Peer Support Worker

Vancouver Island Health Authority; Victoria; On-site; CAD 46,000 - 49,000; Part time

Job summary

VIHA in Victoria is seeking a Peer Support Worker to join the Victoria EPI program serving youth aged 13-35 with first-episode psychosis. You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to provide flexible, compassionate support and coordinate services for clients with histories of homelessness, psychiatric disability, substance use, and trauma.

The role requires lived experience as a caregiver or someone who has experienced first-episode psychosis, Grade 12 plus relevant certificates, valid

Qualifications

• Past or current recipient of mental health and/or substance abuse services.
• Experience in social services, supported housing/addictions/Public Health.
• Completion of a recognized Peer Support Training course or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Responsibilities

• Peer Support Workers work with the multidisciplinary team to provide services.
• Support clients who have histories of homelessness, psychiatric disability, substance abuse and trauma.
• Travel between multiple sites may be required and transportation arrangements may be needed.

Skills

Clinical and critical thinking

Education program delivery

Independent work

Verbal and written communication

Physical ability

Electronic file systems

Education

Grade 12

Community Mental Health Certificate

Addiction Worker Certificate

Job description

Work Area (FBA Only)

Multi-Site

No

Travel Requirement

Travel between multiple sites may be required

Shift Start Time/End Time

1245-1630 (Tuesdays) & 1545-1930 (Thursdays)

Days Off

Vacancy Type

Regular PT

Salary Range (Hourly Rate)

$33.49 - $35.31

Paid FTE

0.21

Worked BI-WEEKLY HOURS

15

Planned Start Date

Oct. 13 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.

Victoria EPI supports youth and young adults 13-35 who have experienced their first episode of psychosis. Caregiver support is also a key component of our program. We are seeking a Parent Peer Support to join our team. The ideal candidate would have had lived experience in a care giving role with someone who has experienced a first episode psychosis.