Peer Support Worker

Are you passionate about leveraging your lived experience with mental health, substance use, or homelessness to make a meaningful impact? If so, we encourage you to apply today and contribute your dedication and innovative ideas to The Alex

What We Do 

The Alex is a beacon of hope for Calgary's most vulnerable citizens, offering wrap-around health care, housing, social, and wellness programs. With a patient and client-centered approach, we envision a community where every individual is valued and empowered to thrive. Our mission is to improve quality of life through accessible and integrated health, housing, and social services. With five decades of experience, we have earned a reputation for tackling tough health and social issues, guiding individuals on their journey from crisis to wellness, and from challenge to change.

Reporting to the Program Manager, the Peer Support Worker is a key member of the Pathways to Housing Team and is responsible for utilizing various approaches to support program participants in achieving stability and wellness while reintegrating into the community. This role will be the first point of contact for our clients visiting the Housing First lounge. The Peer Support Worker will provide immediate assistance for clients to access basic needs, support healthcare navigation, support clients in attending appointments, create and run support groups, support clients in accessing other programs at the Alex, facilitate recreational activities, and support programs.

 This is a full-time, contract term position until March 2026, with the possibility of extension. 

What You Will Do

• Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team of professionals to provide culturally appropriate, holistic, episodic care to vulnerable populations in our community.
• Contribute to the development and enhancement of programs at The Alex Housing First Lounge such as support groups and recreational activities
• Ensure clients and professionals are welcomed promptly, appropriately, and are supported effectively.
• Provide support during crisis/emergency situations by utilizing de-escalation techniques and/or motivational interviewing skills as appropriate.
• Offer an empathetic, listening ear to clients.
• Engage in supportive conversation with clients to explore, coordinate, advocate and connect to internal and external services and resources designed to meet the clients' needs.
• Be a creative problem solver and have the ability to think outside the box in order to help clients achieve success where they formerly have not.
• Assist clients with needs related to housing, entitlements/benefits, employment, education, community integration, and refer to appropriate case management services when required.
• Provide client-centered and culturally informed services.
• Complete data collection and documentation with precision, adhering to agency policies and procedures.
• Maintain client confidentiality and clear boundaries.
• Represent the program and the agency in the community in a professional manner.
• Perform additional duties as assigned. 

What You Bring

• Certification in a relevant field considered as asset. 
• Demonstrated commitment in peer support context working with individuals with health concerns, which may include and focus on mental health, substance use, poverty, homelessness and food insecurity.
• Lived experience navigating the health and social care systems is an asset.
• Superior engagement skills and excitement for new opportunities.
• Base level computer skills.
• Comfortable working independently and as a part of a team.
• Ability to contribute to a positive work environment and team culture.
• High level of initiative and self-motivation.
• Flexible and adaptable.
• High level of self-awareness.
• Determined and committed to excellence.
• Training in any of the following is considered an asset: Applied Suicide Intervention Training, Mental Health First Aid, Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, and Motivational Interviewing.
• Working knowledge base of local resources for housing, mental health, addiction, community support, finances, etc.
• First Aid (Basic or Intermediate) – Level C CPR & AED within 30 days of hire date; certification must be valid for a minimum of 3 months upon hire. 
• A satisfactory vulnerable sector criminal record clearance is required.
• Demonstrated knowledge, understanding and commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action is preferred. 

Work Environment and Hours

• Predominantly based out of The Alex Housing First Lounge: Ave SE, Calgary, AB. 
• This is a contract term position until March 2026, with the possibility of extension.  
• 1.0 FTE (37.5 hours per week)
• Standard hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday; flexibility in crisis situations is required. 
• Continuously requires extended periods of sitting, with some standing and walking.
• Occasionally involves physical action requiring the ability to bend/crouch, reach above shoulder height, kneel/crawl, and carry objects (less than 20 Ibs) frequently throughout the shift.
• Occasional time outside in all weather conditions.

How To Apply

If you are as passionate as we are about making a difference in people's lives, please visit our career centre: Jobs at The Alex | The Alex.   

This position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. We will make every effort to accommodate candidate's schedules and needs in all parts of the hiring process. 

The Alex is committed to embedding the principles of equity, inclusion, and diversity across the organization. We are committed to removing barriers to employment that are faced by equity-seeking groups and encourage (but not require) members of these groups to self-identify as such in their cover letters. 

In accordance with our strategic priorities, we particularly encourage applications from individuals who self-identify as racialized* or Indigenous (First Nation, Metis, or Inuit).

*The term "racialized" is used here instead of the more outdated and inaccurate terms "racial minority, "visible minority", "person of colour", or "non-White".

For further information about The Alex and its programs, we encourage you to visit our website at