Peer Support Worker

Position Summary

The Peer Support Worker provides lived-experience-based support to individuals and families impacted by substance use across the Nlaka’pamux Nation. This entry-level role focuses on building trusting relationships, offering encouragement, and supporting individuals through connection, shared experience, and ongoing engagement.

Lived Experience Requirement

Lived experience may include a variety of personal and community experiences related to substance use, recovery, healing, and wellness. Applicants are encouraged to apply if they have gained this experience through:

• Their own lived or living experience with substance use, recovery, or wellness journeys.
• Supporting a family member, household member, partner, or loved one impacted by substance use.
• Walking alongside friends, relatives, or community members through substance use, recovery, treatment, harm reduction, or healing journeys.
• Providing informal support, advocacy, mentorship, or care within their family, community, or peer networks.
• Participating in cultural, community, or wellness-based support and healing initiatives.

NHSS recognizes that valuable peer support experience can be gained through both personal experience and through meaningful relationships with those impacted by substance use. Individuals who can demonstrate empathy, understanding, and a commitment to supporting others through shared experience are encouraged to apply.

Working under the direction of the Community Wellness Manager, the Peer Support Worker works collaboratively with the Community Outreach Worker and interdisciplinary teams to support planned, community-based outreach and group activities. This role helps create safe, welcoming, and supportive spaces while supporting individuals in accessing services, reducing isolation, and strengthening connections to community, culture, and wellness supports.

Key Responsibilities

Peer Support & Relationship Building

• Provide one-on-one peer support grounded in lived experience and shared understanding
• Build trusting, respectful relationships with individuals and families
• Offer encouragement, connection, and non-judgmental support
• Support individuals in reducing isolation and increasing connection to community

Support in Outreach & Group Sessions

• Work collaboratively with the Community Outreach Worker to support outreach and engagement activities
• Participate in planned, non-crisis outreach activities across the Nlaka’pamux Nation
• Support pop-up education sessions and community gatherings
• Help create safe, inclusive, and welcoming environments
• Share lived experience in a safe and appropriate way where beneficial
• Provide informal connection, support, and follow-up with participants

Navigation & Connection to Services

• Support individuals in accessing healthcare, wellness, cultural, and community services
• Provide informal guidance and accompaniment where appropriate
• Assist with referrals and follow-up under the direction of program staff
• Encourage engagement with available supports and services

Collaboration & Team Support

• Work collaboratively with the Community Outreach Worker, Community Wellness, Mental Health, and Nursing teams
• Communicate relevant concerns or support needs to appropriate team members
• Participate in team meetings and program activities as required
• Maintain clear professional boundaries while providing peer support

Culturally Safe & Trauma-Informed Practice

• Provide support in a culturally respectful, trauma-informed, and non-judgmental manner
• Respect Nlaka’pamux values, traditions, and community protocols
• Promote dignity, safety, and inclusion in all interactions
• Support community-driven approaches to wellness and healing

Documentation & Confidentiality

• Maintain basic records of interactions and activities as required
• Ensure confidentiality of all client and organizational information
• Follow NHSS Health policies and ethical guidelines
• Support program tracking requirements where appropriate

Qualifications

Required

• Lived experience with substance use and/or recovery, or experience supporting individuals impacted by substance use
• Experience in community-based, peer support, or outreach environments (informal or formal experience considered)
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to build trust and maintain appropriate boundaries
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Valid Class 5 Driver’s Licence and ability to travel across the Nlaka’pamux Nation

Assets

• Experience working with Indigenous communities
• Knowledge of Nlaka’pamux culture, values, and traditions
• Mental Health First Aid, ASIST, First Aid, or willingness to obtain
• Experience supporting group activities or community engagement
• Knowledge of local community resources and supports

Working Conditions

• Community-based role supporting outreach and group activities across the Nlaka’pamux Nation
• Regular travel between communities
• Participation in community sessions, outreach events, and engagement activities
• Occasional evenings and weekends based on community needs
• Work may involve supporting individuals experiencing complex or sensitive situations

Why Join NHSS Health?

At NHSS Health, you’ll be part of a team providing essential gap services across the Nlaka’pamux Nation, supporting children, youth, adults, families, and Elders. This role contributes to culturally grounded, trauma-informed care that strengthens relationships, reduces isolation, and enhances connection to community and wellness supports.

Application Deadline

This posting will remain open until filled. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected to move forward in the recruitment process will be contacted.