Peer Support Worker - #25-076

Métis Nation British Columbia; Kamloops; On-site; CAD 51,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading health service provider seeks a Peer Support Worker to engage with individuals experiencing substance use and mental health challenges. The role involves using personal experience to provide social, emotional support while distributing supplies. Qualified applicants should possess lived experience in the health sector and be prepared to navigate challenging situations in a supportive capacity.

Qualifications

• Minimum one (1) year experience in substance use, mental health, or homelessness.
• Lived and/or living experience with substance use or mental health.
• Experience with Indigenous organizations is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Provides and shares lived experience to assist individuals.
• Distributes harm reduction supplies and offers social support.
• Maintains accurate written and computerized records.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Problem Solving

Education

Grade 12 and completion of courses equivalent to one (1) year certificate

Tools

Naloxone training

Job description

Ministry/Department: Health & Wellness

Competition#: 25-076

Compensation: $51,000 - $59,000

Classification: Nation Support 1

Location: Kamloops/Hybrid

End date of Position: March 31, 2026

Hours Per Week: 37.5

Date Posted: May 26, 2025

Closing Date: June 9, 2025

About the Opportunity

The Peer Support Worker provides and shares their own lived/living experience of substance use and mental health to assist individuals in their own personal journeys. While identifying themselves as a peer, we work with individuals to provide support to fit the individual needs and situational requirements of the peers we are working with. From a lived experience perspective, peer support workers share services and knowledge from MNBC and other external community resources more effectively to help those we are building relationships with. This role requires an element of physical demand, and a large portion of time spent on-foot walking long distances and carrying a significant amount of weight for supplies. There is high probably that Peer Support Workers will have to navigate traumatic, high-risk situations (such as overdose, witnessing active substance use, and aggressive interactions) which naturally creates a high-stress work environment.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Distributes harm reduction, cultural wellness, and other supplies to peers while providing social and emotional support for wellness and relationship growth.

• Assists underserved individuals who live in the Downtown Eastside and Surrey locations with support services, companionship, and cultural knowledge.

• Assists Métis individuals with cultural and community integration activities and accompanies individuals to a range of community services and appointments.

• Establishes a dignifying and purposeful relationship with the individual, while creating, and maintaining respectful professional boundaries.

• Supports the individual to meet self-determined individual needs to promote their overall well-being.

• Prepares and maintains written and computerized records and completes other program documentation.

• Distributes harm reduction and cultural wellness supplies to individuals as per established policy and procedure as assigned.

• Maintains an awareness of current community resources and utilizes the information to assist individuals to access services and problem-solve with the individual as required.

• Participates in committees and project teams as required.

• Undertakes related duties as assigned, consistent with the job grade of the position.

• Other duties may be assigned as needed to ensure the efficient operation of MNBC.

• Regular/ occasional attendance at meetings/ events that may require work and travel outside of normal business hours.

Supervision Given

• None

QUALIFICATIONS

• Grade 12 and completion of courses equivalent to one (1) year certificate.

• Minimum one (1) year experience as work/peer support experience in substance use, mental health, homelessness, or health services navigation.

• Lived and/or living experience with substance use or co-occurring substance use and mental health.

• Relevant experience, education, or training is considered an asset.

• Prior experience working or volunteering for an Indigenous organization/program that includes interacting and developing relationships with Indigenous people and Indigenous communities.

• Proven ability to work effectively in a small team.

• Naloxone training is preferred.

• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.

• Proven ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and work with minimal supervision.

• Knowledge and/or awareness of the historical and contemporary contributions made by Métis people in B.C.

• Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a Class 5 driver’s licence may be required.

• The position may require the completion of a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check.

How To Apply: Please submit your cover letter, resume, and a copy of your credentials to [e-mail], using "Peer Support Worker - #25-076" in the subject line of the email.