Job Posting
Peer Support Worker
Housing-Based Case Management Program

TITLE: Peer Support Worker

LOCATION(S): Ottawa

SALARY: From $44,581.44 to $50,085.33 based on experience

HOURS: 37.5 hours/week (Full Time)

EMPLOYER: John Howard Society of Ottawa

HOW TO APPLY: Please submit your cover letter and resume through the John Howard Society of Ottawa’s website, under the Careers tab at: https://johnhoward.on.ca/ottawa/careers/

CLOSING DATE: August 25th, 2025

To protect vulnerable clients and employees in settings where the risk of contracting and transmitting COVID – 19 is higher, we are asking all successful candidates to provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.

About the environment: Employees at JHS Ottawa say the organizational culture is supportive, innovative, and focused on creating a caring environment for both clients, and staff. At JHS Ottawa, you will find an employer that celebrates the uniqueness of each of its staff members and is committed to promoting an engaging working culture where all employees are encouraged to live their strengths and realize their potential. JHS Ottawa will provide permanent new employees access to a benefit plan, four weeks of vacation annually, a Defined Contribution Pension Plan after the eligibility waiting period, and opportunities for continual learning and development.

About who we support: Our employees are supporting a diverse client group including youth and adults, all genders, from a wide cross section of social, ethnic, linguistic and cultural backgrounds who are representative of our broader community. We are accountable to the people we serve by providing the highest quality of service with integrity through the delivery of responsive, innovative and evidence-informed approaches.

About diversity at JHS Ottawa: The John Howard Society of Ottawa is committed to reflecting and responding to the diversity of the people and communities we serve and is seeking that diversity in applicants for this position. We welcome candidates from racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous People, women, persons with disabilities, persons who identify as LGBTQ2S+, and all candidates who contribute to furthering the diversity of ideas. We also recognize that people from diverse groups have different needs and require different solutions to gain equal opportunity for success in the hiring process. If you require any accommodation during the interview process, please let us know.

About the role: In collaboration with the Housing-Based Case Manager, the Peer Support Worker will work with the Housing First program participants to provide non-judgement, practical and emotional support.

Peers will receive training upon hiring, and will have opportunities for further education and leadership development throughout the duration of their employment.

Responsibilities:

The Peer Support Worker will work under the guidance of the Housing-based Case Managers and the leadership of the Reintegration Coordinator

• Housing First program participants will be provided with peer supports based on their interest and willingness to engage with a Peer Support Worker
• The Peer Support Worker will negotiate with Housing First program participants a mutually acceptable schedule for support
• Peer Support Worker ratio to Housing First program participants will not exceed 1:5
• The Peer Worker and the Housing First program participants relationship will not extend beyond six months past the HBCM caseload discharge date
• The services provided by the Peer Support Worker will complement and support the work of HBCM workers
• Peer Support Worker will document client interactions and create statistical reports quarterly with assistance from the Case Manager or Program Coordinator

Qualifications:

• Have lived experience of homelessness and prior involvement with the criminal justice system
• Have lived experience of obtaining housing and stabilizing any mental health and addiction issues
• Have understanding of mental health and addictions
• Be able to work well with other as part of a team
• Have a basic knowledge and experience working with computers
• Be willing to debrief and check-in regularly with their supervisor regarding their own mental/emotional health and well-being in relation to their role as a Peer Support Worker
• Have a commitment to respecting client consent and maintaining client confidentiality
• Have an understanding and commitment to respecting rules regarding professional boundaries
• Be willing to work irregular hours in order to support Housing First program participants within a flexible work schedule that will meet the participants’ needs
• Be sensitive to cultural differences, gender equality and be able to work in a non-judgmental manner

You’re a fit with our organizational culture, if you mirror our values in the way you work:

• You are committed to providing the highest quality of care for your clients, though responsive, innovative, and evidence-informed approaches.
• Driven by curiosity, you adapt to achieve the best results for clients/communities you serve.
• Celebrating the uniqueness and lived experience of every person is part of your nature, and this conviction creates a sense of belonging, safety, and better outcomes for all.
• As a leader, you lead in a way that helps employees live their strengths and reach their potential.
• Lead with compassion and care for others, and help JHS build a culture of listening, mutual support, and meaningful connections.

You’re a fit with our organizational culture, if you believe:

• In building meaningful connections across our programs, partners, and neighbourhoods’ fosters inclusion and empowerment.
• In a person-centered approach, recognizing the value, expertise, and capacity of each individual to make choices that lead to their best self.
• That systemic inequalities exist, and that all people have the right to be treated with dignity, to live free from discrimination, to have a home, and to access employment, education, health promotion and other supports.
• In reducing harm to individuals and communities through a non-judgmental approach that builds resiliency and accountability.
• In the capacity of individuals and communities to adapt, change, and grow while promoting the conditions to inspire positive transformation.

We sincerely thank all applicants who express interest in JHS and this position- only those selected for an interview will be contacted.