HOURS: Full-Time, Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm (some weekend and evenings required) - 12 month contract
REPORTS TO: Program Manager
“Despite great challenges we believe unhealthy cycles can be broken, new opportunities created and, through healing, health restored.”
Reporting to the Program Manager the Peer Navigator provides rapid, culturally sensitive, trauma-informed support, including coaching and motivational guidance, for individuals with substance use challenges. Offering both in-person and virtual care, they connect participants to appropriate recovery resources. The Navigator serves as a first point of contact for those facing substance use, homelessness, or other urgent needs, quickly building trust, assessing needs, and linking participants to services.
“We stand with our clients, side by side, patiently and for as long as they want – a constant and consistent caring force”
Boyle Street Community Services (BSCS) is a values-driven organization that believes our clients are the experts in their own life. Your job will be to foster innovation with your team alongside our community members.
“We stand with our clients, side by side, patiently and for as long as they want – a constant and consistent caring force”
Position Responsibilities
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Act as first point of contact, quickly assessing participants’ urgent needs
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Connect participants to housing, treatment, medical, and social services, prioritizing safety and stabilization
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Maintain up-to-date knowledge of community resources for rapid referral
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Participate in weekly evening outreach on the van
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Support participants’ goals and self-determination, advocating to overcome access barriers and systemic challenges
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Use motivational interviewing and trauma-informed approaches for early recovery or crisis support
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Accurately document interactions, service plans, and outcomes confidentially
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Assist with program reporting and data collection
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All other duties as outlined by program manager.
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All staff at BSCS are expected to participate in occasional outreach and emergency response efforts (e.g., winter response) to support and engage with clients.
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BSCS is more than a workplace. It is a community where everyone helps and contributes to the whole, and there is an expectation that all employees will take part in events (during the work week and occasionally during weekends and evenings). This includes fundraising campaigns, running community meals, medicine picking, etc.
Qualifications
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Completion of a Recovery Coach, Peer Recovery Support Specialist, or equivalent peer training (strongly preferred)
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1–2 years of experience in peer support, outreach, crisis work, or social services; lived experience is a significant asset.
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Deep understanding of substance use, homelessness, and the needs of marginalized populations.
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Demonstrated ability to navigate community resources and service systems effectively.
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Strong interpersonal communication, including active listening and non-judgmental engagement
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Proven ability to de-escalate crises and respond in high-pressure situations.
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Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
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Valid First Aid certificate or enrolled in a future course
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Police Check with the Vulnerable Sector completed within the past six months and kept up to date (every 3 years)
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Child and Youth Intervention Check completed within the past six months and kept up to date (every 3 years)
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Experience with and knowledge of Indigenous culture and ceremonies is considered an asset.
Why Work for Boyle?
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All work done positively impacts the community and its members!
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Access to Lumino Health, including Stress & Wellness support
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Employee activities and events throughout the year
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Various training initiatives, and development opportunities
Boyle Street Community Services (BSCS) is a values-driven organization that believes our clients are the experts in their own life. Your job will be to foster innovation with your team alongside our community members.
Clients, staff, and partners are vital members of the Boyle Street team, so we place emphasis on making sure that we address each other correctly by using preferred pronouns. We invite you to let us know how to properly refer to you and your pronouns as you explore finding a professional home with us.
Boyle Street Community Services aims to foster a work environment that is rich with Indigenous culture, teachings, ceremonies, and activities- as a reflection of the communities we serve and the land we reside upon.
Boyle Street Community Services is an equal opportunity employer. We value the diversity of the communities we serve and are committed to engaging and developing a diverse and inclusive workforce. Boyle Street Community Services welcomes applications from First Nation, Inuit, Métis, New Canadian, differently abled, and LGBTQ2S communities.
