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 : 1.0 FTE (35 hours per week)

Location : Cape Breton Health Centre

Sydney, N.S.

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

Compensation: $ 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 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 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

• 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 is required, as public transportation will not meet the travel requirements of this role

• Comfortable with MS Office, email, and virtual communication tools such as Teams, Zoom; ready to travel as needed.

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: mid-late November Contract -approx. 4 month contract to start)

Application Deadline: October 20, 2025

How to Apply:

Please complete an application here . Include a resume and a cover letter that speaks to your journey and why you feel drawn to this role. We're excited to hear your story and how you believe you can contribute to our mission.

Equity Statement:

Peer Support Nova Scotia is committed to offering services that are inclusive for all equity groups. Applications are encouraged from persons with disabilities, Aboriginal people, African Nova Scotians, and other racially visible persons. Self-identification is voluntary and may be made in the cover letter, on the resume, or in a separate email.