Peer Support Worker - Brunswick Street - Designated* (External)

Kaizen Lab Inc.; Halifax; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The North End Community Health Centre is seeking a Peer Support Worker to assist tenants aged 50+ in Brunswick Street housing and surrounding communities. The role emphasizes shared experience, daily support, programming, and mentoring in a 24/7 wrap-around model.

The successful candidate will bring lived experience, strong communication, and a commitment to harm reduction, equity, and community integration, supporting individuals toward independence and improved well-being.

Qualifications

• Experience with the mental health system.
• 1-2 years’ experience working in a community setting with community members who use substances, have mental health challenges, and/or other vulnerabilities.
• Has gone through the process of at least 24 months of recovery.
• Demonstrates competence in effective communication and team building.
• Strong understanding of harm reduction principles.
• Ability to observe boundaries, maintain confidentiality, and engage in self-care strategies.
• Values diversity with a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily peer support, programming, and mentoring to participants.
• Collaborate with participants to provide individualized and flexible support across housing/community locations.
• Help participants engage with resources and services to promote recovery and independence.

Skills

Mental health system

Community work

Recovery experience

Harm reduction

Adaptability

Time management

Problem solving

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Boundaries

Confidentiality

Self-care

Diversity & inclusion

MS Office

Driver’s license

Tools

MS Outlook

Outlook

Job description

*The North End Community Health Centre is committed to being an inclusive organization. To ensure our organization represents the diverse people and communities we serve, this position is designated for individuals who identify as Indigenous.

Job Summary:

Brunswick Street Supportive Housing project provides 24/7, wrap-around support to 38 tenants who are 50+ to age in place. A multidisciplinary team of social workers, nurses, occupational therapist, physical therapist and continuing care assistants ensure each tenant has a support plan that meets the physical health, mental health and social needs. In addition, the team has housing support workers 24/7 to support tenants in maintain their tenancies and accessing services.

The Peer Support Worker strives to connect with participants/tenants through shared experience in ways that strengthen hope, reduce power imbalances, and provide social support for those who may be experiencing challenges in their unique journeys. Peer support also aims to maximize independence, and potential and promote recovery. The Peer Support Worker will bring their lived experience and expertise to the work. The peer support worker will provide daily support, programming/groups, and mentoring to participants in various housing and community locations.

They will collaborate with participants to provide individualized and flexible support to engage and integrate them into the community and help facilitate their access to resources and support

Education and Experience:

• Experience with the mental health system.
• 1-2 years’ experience working in a community setting with community members who use substances, have mental health challenges, and/or other vulnerabilities.
• Has gone through the process of at least 24 months of recovery.
• The person can act ethically, demonstrate competence in effective communication and team building, demonstrate effectiveness in working in a collaborative environment, and demonstrate confidence in decision-making and in building relationships.
• Strong understanding of harm reduction principles and approaches
• Strong skills related to adaptability, time management, problem-solving, judgment, communication, interpersonal relations, and healthy boundaries.
• Values diversity with a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Ability to observe boundaries, engage in appropriate emotional regulation, refrain from dual relationships with participants, maintain confidentiality, and engage in reasonable self-care strategies designed to reduce stress by balancing work/life responsibilities.
• Extensive knowledge of supports and services in the community, including formal and informal resources.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to demonstrate computer skills, specifically Microsoft Office and Outlook
• A valid Canadian driver’s license and the use of a personal vehicle to transport clients is an asset.
• A satisfactory and current Vulnerable Sector Screening