Peer Support Worker

Open Door Group (ODG), a trailblazing non-profit organization serving communities across Canada, is looking for a Peer Support Worker to join our team

Open Door Group is launching the GROW Project to support individuals in Red Deer who experience chronic unemployment and are at high risk of homelessness. This program recognizes the intersecting barriers participants face, such as housing and income insecurity, mental health and substance use challenges, systemic barriers, and limited community support, and provides flexible, client-centered interventions tailored to their needs.

Through a mobilized outreach approach, the GROW Project builds trust by meeting individuals where they are in the community, and offering culturally safe, low-barrier entry points. With sustained one-on-one support, wraparound case management, and adaptive service stages, the program helps participants navigate setbacks, strengthen stability, and move toward meaningful employment and independence.

Salary: $24.31 to $25.93 per hour

Status: Part-Time, Permanent

Hours of Work: 20 hours per week

Schedule: This position will have flexible scheduling. Employees are expected to provide availability to work evenings or weekends as needed to best meet the needs of their clients.

Location: The primary work location for this position will be community outreach in Red Deer, with a home office, with a secondary work location of the Open Door Group/ETHOS office at 4728 Ross St, Red Deer.

The Peer Support Worker provides practical, emotional, and social support to individuals experiencing mental health challenges, substance use, housing instability, or other barriers. Working alongside Case Managers, the Peer Support Worker supports participants to engage in activities connected to their individualized plans and goals. This includes encouragement and coaching, hands-on assistance such as accompanying participants to appointments, and facilitating or supporting peer-led groups and workshops.

Using lived or living experience intentionally and ethically, the Peer Support Worker builds trust, inspires hope, reduces stigma, strengthens engagement, and supports participants to build meaningful connections and pursue self-identified goals and personal growth. Relationships are grounded in peer values, respect, and clear boundaries.

Please see the full job description for a detailed description of the responsibilities included in this position.  Full posting and job description are available here: Careers at Open Door Group

Why Open Door Group?

Champion of Great Workplaces: ODG proudly holds the title of one of Canada's Certified Great Places to Work, fostering a culture of compassion and authenticity. Join a team that values your unique contribution and believes in the boundless potential of every individual.

Competitive Compensation and Benefits: As a Certified Living Wage Employer, ODG is committed to offering more than just a job. Enjoy a comprehensive employer-paid benefits package and an RRSP matching program. Your well-being matters, and we provide an Employee and Family Assistance program to support you. Invest in your future with our professional development fund. Pursue courses, workshops, or certifications to enhance your skills and advance your career.

Community Impact: Be part of an organization that goes beyond the conventional, providing tailored employment services to build strong workforce ecosystems and thriving communities. Your work will directly contribute to the social and economic well-being of the community.

What you bring to the position:

Qualifications:

•     Peer Support Worker Certification.

•     Minimum one year of recent, related experience.

•     Satisfactory Criminal Record Check including Vulnerable Sector Check.

•     CPR and First Aid certification.

•     Naloxone training.

•     ASIST Suicide Intervention certification (can be acquired after hire).

•     Mental Health First Aid (can be acquired after hire).

•     Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training (can be acquired after hire).

•     Training in Trauma-Informed Practice and Motivational Interviewing is an asset.

•     Experience facilitating groups or workshops is an asset.

•     Class 5 Driver's License and access to a reliable personal vehicle is an asset.

Skills:

Key Attributes for Success

•     Demonstrated commitment to Open Door Group mission, vision and values  

•     Lived/living experience with mental health recovery, substance use recovery, homelessness/housing transitions, or related challenges, and the ability to use that experience intentionally in a peer role

•     Knowledge of current social issues related to homelessness, mental health and substance use

•     Knowledge of harm reduction and psychosocial rehabilitation principles

•     Demonstrated knowledge of community resources

•     Knowledge of Disability, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles

•     Understanding of the human rights code and relevant laws

•     Ability to promote positive change and independence

•     Conflict resolution and crisis intervention skills

•     Strong ethical and personal boundaries

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

•     Ability to foster positive relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds, and with complex needs.

•     Ability to observe, recognize, and respond appropriately to changes in clients

•     Ability to resolve conflicts diplomatically and maintain composure under pressure

•     Strong crisis intervention skills

•     Ability to build strong client relationships, fostering trust, engagement and motivation for skill development and employment

•     Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills to foster positive relationships with community service providers, and other stakeholders

•     Awareness of Trauma Informed Practices

•     Demonstrated skills in group facilitation and delivering clear and concise information to diverse individuals

•     Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

•     Ability to work independently and in cooperation with others as part of a team

Organizational & Technical Skills

•     Proficient with Microsoft Office and databases

•     Manages multiple tasks and meets deadlines under pressure.

•     Prioritizes work effectively with strong attention to detail

•     Provides consistent, high-quality service in a fast-paced environment

•     Ability to take initiative, solve problems and adapt to change

Open Door Group values diversity and is committed to providing an inclusive work environment. We are looking for qualified individuals who represent, at all job levels, the diversity of the people we serve and encourage applications from Indigenous peoples, individuals of all genders and sexual orientation, origin and ethnic affiliations, disability, age, and religion

We strive to ensure an accessible experience for candidates. If you require an alternative method to submit your application, please contact us toll-free at and ask to speak with an HR representative, or you can email us at

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Thank you for your interest in joining the Open Door Group team