Employment Type: 0.4 FTE (14 hours per week)
Location: Inpatient Withdrawal Management Unit-HRM
Monday through Friday - variable hours between 830am to 430pm, with occasional flexibility for evenings and weekends(infrequent).
Compensation: $22.50 - $26.86 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 substance use recovery.
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 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
Willingness to share this lived experience with peers/clients and other relevant parties, as appropriate.
Access to daily use of a reliable vehicle may be required, as public transportation may not meet the travel requirements of this role.
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. The hourly pay rate for this position is $26.68, contingent upon obtaining Peer Support Certification. If you already hold this certification, you will be eligible for this rate immediately upon hire.
Anticipated Start Date: August 15-30 Contract (7-month contract to start)
Application Deadline: June 13, 2025
How to Apply: Please send us your 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
