Job Title: Peer Counsellor
Company: John Howard Society, Nanaimo
Location: In Person, Nanaimo Correction Center, Nanaimo, BC
Job Type: Part-time, Permanent
Work hours: 17.5 hour per week, Fri. 9:00 am -12:30 am, Sat. and Sun. 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
John Howard Society, Nanaimo is a fast paced growing, dynamic and innovative social service organization that strives to create safe, healthy, and inclusive communities for all. Our goal is to help individuals achieve greater independence by providing support with housing, life-skills, education, employment, and community-based services.
At John Howard Society, we come from various backgrounds and share a common goal of wanting to make things better in our community, for our community. We believe in creating a dynamic work environment that adapts to your needs.
Our Vision, Mission, Goals, and Values:
Our Vision: A safe, healthy, and inclusive community for all
Our Mission: We contribute to a safer, stronger and more sustainable communities by supporting people to achieve greater independence
Our Goals: Service Excellence, Organizational Sustainability, Capacity
Our Values: Dignity, Advocacy, Empowerment, Collaboration, Accountability, Resiliency
Supportive Environment: Our Employee Assistance Program and professional development opportunities are designed to help you succeed both personally and professionally. We invest in our employees' growth through training programs, workshops, and mentorship opportunities.
Engaging Culture: Be part of a friendly team that values your input! With numerous employee engagements, you can make your voice heard and contribute to meaningful change for our clients and our community.
Employee Engagement: We often organize team and social gatherings to strengthen relationships and foster camaraderie to create a supportive network among colleagues.
Impactful Work: Employees at JHS Victoria are driven by a shared mission to make a positive difference in the community. Engaging in meaningful work enhances job satisfaction and connects team members to a greater purpose.
Guthrie Therapeutic Community (GTC) is a specialized four-month residential substance misuse treatment program serving adult males who are in provincial custody at Nanaimo Correctional Centre. This 48-bed therapeutic community, separate from the rest of the correctional center, combines work, treatment, counselling and behavioral modelling to address the root causes of addiction and give residents a chance at a new beginning.
Since 2007, John Howard Society of Victoriahas partnered with BC Corrections to deliver this unique program, the first therapeutic community to operate in a Canadian correctional facility. Nanaimo Correctional Centre, located at 3945 Biggs Road, and operated by the province, houses individuals awaiting trialorserving a custodial sentence under two years.
The Position reports to Manager, Therapeutic Program
The Peer Counsellor plays a vital role in supporting residents on their journey of addiction recovery. Drawing on “lived experience”—firsthand knowledge gained through overcoming challenges such as addiction, homelessness, mental health struggles, or justice system involvement—the Peer Counsellor offers guidance, support, and inspiration rooted in genuine understanding. By modeling what successful recovery and stability can look like, the Peer Counsellor actively engages in group activities, pre-release planning, one-to-one support, community engagement, and outreach efforts. This is an in-person role with no opportunity for remotely.
Client / Resident Support (80%)
Provide daily guidance and clinical support to residents within the Therapeutic Community Program, promoting recovery, emotional safety, and overall well-being.
Deliver person-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive assessments, therapeutic interventions, case management, and referrals to internal or community-based supports.
Conduct comprehensive Needs Assessments and Intake Assessments to co-develop individualized service or treatment plans in collaboration with residents and the Case Management team.
Facilitate group and individual peer counseling sessions, with an emphasis on accountability, emotional regulation, and "Right Living" principles.
Promote resident accountability through "Right Living Concepts", supporting peer-led initiatives, peer-led activities, and foster accountability among residents.
Facilitate psychoeducational groups and therapeutic activities focused on addiction recovery, relapse prevention, emotional self-regulation, and goal setting.
Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to deliver comprehensive care for residents.
Facilitate and document resident interventions, including peer or staff-initiated encounters; provide mediation and conflict resolution support between residents to promote a safe, accountable, and respectful living environment.
Provide post-release support and follow-up with alumni clients, including check-ins, accompaniment to services, goal tracking, and progress monitoring.
Assist in crisis intervention and de-escalation as needed to ensure resident safety.
Participate in intake interviews and orientation of new residents, providing initial assessment and support.
Enforce program rules and expectations in a manner consistent with Therapeutic Community principles and in alignment with correctional guidelines.
Stay informed about current research, best practices, and evidence-based approaches in addiction treatment techniques.
Support residents in transition and discharge planning, including relapse prevention, aftercare referrals, and community reintegration support.
Reporting and documentation (20%)
Maintain accurate and confidential documentation of resident progress and treatment interventions.
Manage a caseload that includes case file work and writing resident reports, such as termination/discharge, incidents, or referrals.
Maintain all case notes and updates in accordance with the Society and BC Corrections requirements.
Perform other duties and projects as required and not limited to the responsibilities as mentioned.
- The assigned percentage of job responsibilities may vary based on organizational and operational priorities.
Qualifications:
Minimum of 3 years of "lived" experience around addiction and recovery is preferred. "Lived experience" refers to the personal knowledge gained from directly navigating challenges such as addiction, homelessness, mental health struggles, justice system involvement, or other significant life barriers.
Demonstrated experience working with vulnerable populations.
High school diploma or equivalent is required; additional relevant certifications or training is a plus
Proficient in verbal and written English at a professional level, with excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
High proficiency in MS Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, SharePoint).
Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check Clearance at the Institute.
Emergency First Aid certification is an asset.
Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information effectively and possess strong integrity.
Skills and Competencies:
Strong understanding of addiction and the recovery process.
Ability to build trust and establish rapport with residents based on shared experiences.
Excellent communication and active listening skills.
Empathy, compassion, and a non-judgmental attitude.
Ability to provide support, encouragement, and motivation to residents.
Knowledge of community resources and support networks for addiction recovery.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
Ability to work effectively within a team and collaborate with other professionals.
Cultural competence and the ability to work with a diverse population.
Ability to maintain professional boundaries and adhere to ethical guidelines.
Solid administration skills.
Someone with a passion for and interest in working with vulnerable populations
Who You Are:
Empathetic and Compassionate: Demonstrates a genuine understanding of the challenges faced by individuals in recovery and shows compassion in all interactions.
Strong Communicator: Possesses excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively engage with residents and colleagues.
Team Player: Works collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, valuing diverse perspectives and fostering a supportive environment.
Resilient and Adaptable: Maintains a positive attitude in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapts to changing situations and challenges.
Detail-Oriented: Exhibits strong organizational skills, ensuring accurate documentation and effective case management.
Culturally Competent: Understands and respects cultural diversity, tailoring approaches to meet the needs of individuals from various backgrounds.
Proactive and Resourceful: Takes initiative in problem-solving and seeks out resources to support residents in their recovery journey.
Passionate about Community Service: Committed to making a positive impact in the community and supporting individuals in achieving greater independence.
Ethical and Trustworthy: Upholds high standards of integrity and confidentiality, earning the trust of residents and colleagues.
Creating Safe, Healthy and Inclusive Communities at JHS Victoria:
At John Howard Society of Victoria, we proudly embrace the rich diversity of the communities we serve, and we’re excited to invite applicants from all backgrounds to join our team! We understand that everyone’s journey is different, and we are committed to providing the support needed to ensure equal opportunities for success throughout the hiring process. John Howard Society of Victoria will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email
[email protected] if you have a need for any accommodation. We’re here to help!
Ready to Make a Positive Impact?
If you’re passionate about making a positive impact in people’s lives and meet the qualifications for this role, we’d love to hear from you!
Please submit your application through our portal. Submission deadline is June 20, 2026 and we’ll be reviewing applications on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. So don’t wait—apply today and take the next step in your journey with us!
