Peer Support Specialist

Join our province-wide team of dedicated peer supporters, who utilize strength-based and wellness-oriented approaches, supporting peers at Acute Care units, in select clinics, or while facilitating peer support groups.

**The Role**: Peer Supporter

**Employment Type**: 0.9 FTE (31.5 hours per week) contract until March 31, 2025

**Location**: Halifax Infirmary

Monday through Friday - variable hours between 830am to 430pm, with occasional flexibility for evenings and weekends(infrequent).

**Compensation**: $22.50 per hour

**About Us**:
Peer Support Nova Scotia is a one-to-one peer support program, administered by Mental Health Innovations Inc. (N.S.), that provides non-judgmental emotional and social supports to persons receiving mental health and/or substance use care through Nova Scotia Health.

We're more than just a team - we're a community deeply dedicated to emotional and mental well-being. Our mission is to offer understanding and support, and we're looking for someone who shares our passion for making a positive impact in the lives of others.

**What We Offer**:
Comprehensive health care benefits

Generous paid time off

A caring and collaborative workplace culture

**Your New Role**:
We're seeking passionate individuals to join us in our mission to make a positive impact, especially in harm reduction and client support during hospital admissions.

**Your Main Responsibilities**:
Work one-on-one with individuals to support them in the development and achievement of self-determination, personal empowerment, and their individual recovery goals.
- Harm Reduction Peer Support: Work closely with individuals in inpatient settings to support them in harm reduction strategies, emphasizing safety and well-being.
- Empathy and Understanding: Deliver support that respects the diversity and uniqueness of each individual’s situation, considering social, cultural, and geographic backgrounds.
- Transition Support: Assist in the transition from hospital to community, providing connections to community-based harm reduction and/or recovery services.
- Community Relations: Develop relationships with community organizations focused on harm reduction and support the matching of individuals with appropriate services.

**What Else?**
- Maintain up-to-date and clear record keeping and communication. Use strength-based, recovery supporting language in all notes and communications.
- Complete general administrative requirements in a timely manner and as requested.  These admin requirements may be related to data gathering, recording of indicators, and/or other general organizational requirements.
- Manage day-to-day schedule.
- Attend and participate in meetings and conference calls, as required.

**What We’re Looking For**:

- A compassionate individual with a deep understanding of harm reduction principles.
- The ability to provide hope and support in acute care settings.
- Proficiency in digital communication tools for effective remote support.
- Excellent interpersonal skills for complex emotional environments.
- A self-motivated, responsible individual, comfortable with remote supervision.
- A commitment to continuous learning and growth.

**What You’ll Need**:

- Personal lived or living experience with substance use challenges.
- Familiarity with harm reduction strategies and the ability to navigate associated risks.
- Experience in peer support, preferably in harm reduction settings.
- Have knowledge and experience with the process of recovery; have the ability to assess the possible risk of suicide or other thoughts of harm to self or others
- Two years’ experience as a peer supporter as well as strong experience forming cooperative relationships with clinicians, community organizations, and other stakeholders.
- Willingness to share this lived experience with peers/clients and other relevant parties, as appropriate.
- Access to daily use of a reliable vehicle is required, as public transportation does not meet the travel requirements of this role.
- Fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

**A note on Certifications**:
The Peer Support Canada Certification will be considered an asset. ASIST and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Certification will also be considered an asset.

**Anticipated Start Date**: TBD

**Application Deadline**: Until Filled

**How to Apply**:
**Equity Statement**:
**Benefits**:

- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Paid time off
- Vision care

**Schedule**:

- Monday to Friday

**Job Type**: Part-time

Expected hours: 31.5 per week

**Benefits**:

- Casual dress
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Flexible schedule
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Wellness program
- Work from home

Work Location: In person