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 clinics, or while facilitating peer support groups.
The Role: Peer Supporter
Employment Type: 0.9 FTE (31.5 hours per week) contract until March 31, 2025
Location: Halifax Infirmary
Monday through Friday - variable hours between 830am to 430pm, with occasional flexibility for evenings and weekends(infrequent).
Compensation: $22.50 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:
We're seeking passionate individuals to join us in our mission to make a positive impact, especially in harm reduction and client support during hospital admissions.
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.

• Harm Reduction Peer Support: Work closely with individuals in inpatient settings to support them in harm reduction strategies, emphasizing safety and well-being.
• Empathy and Understanding: Deliver support that respects the diversity and uniqueness of each individual’s situation, considering social, cultural, and geographic backgrounds.
• Transition Support: Assist in the transition from hospital to community, providing connections to community-based harm reduction and/or recovery services.
• Community Relations: Develop relationships with community organizations focused on harm reduction and 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 harm reduction 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 substance use challenges.
• Familiarity with harm reduction strategies and the ability to navigate associated risks.
• Experience in peer support, preferably in harm reduction settings.
• 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
• Two years’ experience as a peer supporter as well as strong experience forming cooperative relationships with clinicians, community organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Willingness to share this lived experience with peers/clients and other relevant parties, as appropriate.
• Access to daily use of a reliable vehicle is required, as public transportation does not meet the travel requirements of this role.
• Fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
• 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.
Anticipated Start Date: TBD
Application Deadline: Until Filled
How to Apply:
Please complete an application here https://careers.risepeople.com/MHI/en/10584_peer-support-specialist--iamcs. 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.
Benefits:

• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Paid time off
• Vision care

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Job Type: Part-time
Expected hours: 31.5 per week
Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Flexible schedule
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Wellness program
• Work from home

Work Location: In person