Peer Support Worker

St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador

Lifewise is seeking a Peer Supporter to join our team. 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 these positions will be working directly as a member of the Mental Health and Addictions Centre (MHAC) in St. John's. Job duties and schedule will be determined by the team at MHAC with support from Lifewise. The successful applicants will demonstrate a high ability to engage with a range of diverse populations, including individuals living with serious and persistent mental health and addictions issues.

Peer Supporters deliver front line services in peer support, public education and policy consultation in a variety of environments and modalities. Environments may include Lifewise offices, clinical offices/teams, hospitals, shelters, businesses, workplaces, community, peer's home and on the streets. Modalities may include in person, telephone and e-supports both one to one and in group settings.

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 the Mental Health and Addictions Centre
• 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

Qualifications and Experience

• Personal lived experience with (and willingness to share) with mental health and/or addictions
• Experience working with and enjoyment from supporting others
• 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

A Sunday-Thursday or Tuesday to Saturday schedule with shifts from 10:00-6:00pm. Flexibility in work hours required to accommodate the fast-paced, flexible community environment.

Salary

The position is offered at a rate of $24.49 an hour. Lifewise offers a competitive health and dental package 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 noting how you meet the requirements to by 4:00 pm, October 30, 2025. Please ensure to include details about your lived experience with mental health and/or addictions in your cover letter, as this is a requirement for employment with Lifewise.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $24.49 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care

Work Location: In person