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 outpatient clinics, or while facilitating peer support groups.

**The Role**: Peer Support Specialist

**Employment Type**: 0.5 FTE (17.5 hours per week)

**Location**:Garron Centre for Child & Adolescent Mental Health**

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

**Compensation**:$22.50- 26.68 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**:
Have you struggled with mental health and/ or substance use difficulties **in your youth**and are in a positive state of recovery?

We're seeking passionate individuals to join us in our mission to make a positive impact, especially in mental wellness, harm reduction and connecting to community support.

**Your Main Responsibilities**:
Work one-on-one with **young individuals**to support them in the development and achievement of self-determination, personal empowerment, and their individual recovery goals.

- Inpatient Support: provide social and emotional support during admission

- Empathy and Understanding: Deliver support that respects the diversity and uniqueness of everyone’s situation, considering social, cultural, and geographic backgrounds.

- Transition Support: Assist in the transition from hospital to community, encouraging connections to community-based mental health and/or recovery services.

- Community Relations: Develop relationships with community organizations focused on mental health, harm reduction and peer 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 mental health and self-care 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 mental health and/or substance use challenges **as a youth.**

- 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

- Willingness to share this lived experience with peers/clients and other relevant parties, as appropriate.

- Previous peer support experience (ideally two years) and the ability to work collaboratively with clinicians and community organizations are strong assets, though not mandatory.

- Access to daily use of a reliable vehicle may be required, as public transportation may not meet the travel requirements of this role

**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. The hourly pay rate for this position is $26.68, contingent upon obtaining Peer Support Certification. If you already hold this certification, you will be eligible for this rate immediately upon hire.

**Anticipated Start Date: Nov 17 Contract (4 month contract to start)**

**Application Deadline: Nov 7, 2025**at 5pm AT

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