Peer Support Worker

St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador

Lifewise is seeking a Peer Supporter to join our team for a six-month contractual position (with the potential of extension). Lifewise is a non-profit organization created by and for individuals living with mental health and addictions issues. Our mission is to inspire hope for recovery and decrease stigma for individuals living with mental health and addictions issues and their supporters.

Please note that this position will be working directly as a member of the NavNet team within NLHS in St. John's. NavNet works collaboratively with various health, government and community partners to improve the systems response for individuals living with chronic and persistent mental health and addictions issues. NavNet believes in the right to self-determination and works from a client centred and trauma informed perspective.Job duties and schedules will be determined through co-collaborative work between NLHS staff and Lifewise. The successful applicant will demonstrate a high ability to engage with a range of diverse populations, particularly individuals who often have difficulty in accessing essential supports and services needed to thrive in our communities.

Duties and Responsibilities

This position is responsible for utilizing their own lived experiences in conjunction with the established guidelines of Peer Support, the Recovery Approach, Lifewise, and other partnering organizations. This position also:

• Provides regular peer support within current and future programs of NavNet programs
• Interacts with peers, professionals, and community partners to enhance awareness of the importance of peer support in the recovery journey (including committee involvement, public presentations, and relationship building)
• Compiles, maintains and reports on monthly and quarterly program statistics
• Attends regular program meetings in order to share pertinent information and maintain effective communication
• Offers support in analyzing trends in programs, identifying issues and developing and recommending solutions
• Remains informed on all areas of peer support and recovery
• Represents organization as required
• Performs other duties as required
• Assists the NavNet teams in their support of individuals
• Accompanies individuals to various appointments (including medical and legal)

Qualifications and Experience

• Personal lived experience (and willingness to share) with mental health and/or addictions issues; lived experience accessing harm reduction supports and services considered an asset
• Ability to support individuals using a harm reduction approach is essential
• Experience working with and enjoyment from supporting others
• Valid drivers license and access to a vehicle for work purposes
• Clear Vulnerable Sector Check

Required Skills and Specifications

• Demonstrates empathetic, patient, non-judgmental and supportive personality
• Demonstrates a sound understanding of self-help, peer support and recovery
• Demonstrates commitment to high professional ethical standards
• Demonstrates ability to work independently and as a supportive member of a team
• Demonstrates excellent interpersonal and relational skills - ability to establish trusting relationships
• Demonstrates a commitment to role modelling a recovery lifestyle by sharing common experience and practical information
• Demonstrates an ability to respect other people's right to refuse help or resist change
• Demonstrates a high level of confidentiality and flexibility towards change
• Demonstrates effective strategies for maintaining own personal health
• Demonstrates strong computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Demonstrates effective verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrates ability to engage with a range of diverse populations, including individuals living with serious and persistent mental health and addictions issues.

Work Hours

Shifts occur 5 days a week, Monday to Friday. 8:30-4:30.

Flexibility in work hours is required to accommodate the fast-paced, flexible community environment.

Compensation

The position is offered at a rate of $24.49 an hour. Lifewise offers a competitive health and dental package available after the probationary period. All staff are offered a variety of training opportunities, including a professional Peer Support training program, ASIST and MHFA.

We also offer a working environment that supports and fosters wellness. Our all-inclusive team approach is unique in that we honor and recognize mental health and addictions issues as an asset.

How to Apply

Email your cover letter and resume explaining how you meet the requirements to by 4:00 pm, 29 January, 2026. Please ensure to include details about your lived experience in your cover letter, as this is a requirement for employment with Lifewise.

Job Type: Fixed term contract

Contract length: 6 months

Pay: From $24.49 per hour

Work Location: In person