JOB POSTINGS
Peer Support Worker– Community-Based Employment Services (CBES)
Our Vision
The Canadian Mental Health Association provides mental health education and mental illness recovery-focused programs and services for people of all ages and their families. We work collaboratively to develop realistic community awareness of homelessness and provide housing opportunities for clients. CMHA Kamloops creates awareness, provides education, and supports individuals and families living with mental health or substance use concerns. Our programs are community-based, they include supportive and independent living, homelessness services, and peer support. By working closely with other community agencies, we are working to bridge gaps in mental health care and facilitate access to critical services and resources.
Position Type: 1 Part-time Position
Hours: 15hrs/wk
Salary & Benefits: $30.60 per hour
Extended Medical and Dental Benefits, Municipal Pension Plan
The Role
The Peer Support Worker – CBES brings lived or living experience of mental health challenges and/or substance use to a multidisciplinary team delivering community-based, outreach-focused employment support. Grounded in peer support values and the principles of trauma-informed, recovery-oriented practice, this role focuses on engagement, relationship-building, and practical assistance at any stage of a participant's journey. The Peer Support Worker works alongside Vocational Counsellors and an Occupational Therapist to support participants in navigating services, building confidence, and moving toward employment and personal goals. This position operates across Kamloops and Merritt, and regular travel between communities is required.
Key Responsibilities
- Build trusting, respectful relationships with participants grounded in shared experience, hope, and peer support values.
- Provide one-to-one peer support, sharing lived experience intentionally to support engagement, recovery, and goal-setting.
- Support employment readiness through practical, hands-on assistance, including obtaining ID, navigating community services, building transit skills, and attending appointments.
- Participate in intake processes and support program orientation for prospective participants.
- Facilitate or co-facilitate group-based sessions that promote peer connection, shared skill-building, and participant leadership, including supporting participants in building relationships with one another to reduce isolation.
- Facilitate a quarterly Peer Advisory Committee and communicate participant feedback to the program team.
- Support participants in accessing community resources including health, housing, income, social, and training services.
- Maintain accurate, timely documentation and contribute to team meetings and collaborative service delivery.
Key Skills and Experience Required
- Diploma or post-secondary education in a human services field, or equivalent combination of education, training, and lived/living experience.
- Minimum 2 years of experience in peer support, community services, or a related setting.
- Demonstrated lived or living experience with mental health and/or substance use challenges.
- Experience working with individuals facing barriers related to mental health, substance use, housing instability, and/or employment.
- Demonstrated understanding of trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, and culturally safe practices.
- Ability to maintain professional boundaries while using lived experience intentionally and safely.
- Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Mental Health First Aid is an asset.
- Valid First Aid/CPR, Canadian Driver's License, reliable vehicle with business insurance, and satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check.
CMHA Kamloops is an equity employer and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, Indigenous Peoples, people of all sexual orientations and genders, and others whom may contribute to the further diversification of the Association. Lived experiences of mental illness and or addictions is considered an asset. To avoid a conflict of interest, people who are currently accessing CMHA Kamloops services are not eligible to apply.
A criminal record check free of convictions of violence and other crimes against the vulnerable will be required.
Thank you for your interest!
Pay: $30.60 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
Work Location: In person
