Peer Support Worker (social Services Certificate)

Peer Support Worker

Come work as a Peer Support Worker with Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) at Adult Tertiary Rehabilitation at Sumac Place in Gibsons, BC! Apply now to join the team!

Within the context of a patient/client and family-centered framework and continuum-based care model and in accordance with established standards of professional practice and the vision and values of the organization, utilizing a trauma informed, cultural safe approach, the Peer Support Worker works as a member of an interdisciplinary care team, to provide a range of non-clinical, peer-based services in accordance with established care plans. Working collaboratively with interdisciplinary team members, receives work direction from designated staff, shares their own lived/living experience to assist patients/clients through their health care journey. Assists with providing individual peer support, peer-based recovery groups and peer information sessions. Supports patient/client recovery, through the use of motivational and supportive self-disclosure including the sharing of personal recovery experiences and strategies for attaining and maintaining wellness. Promotes empowerment, self-determination and independence through peer mentorship, emotional support and relationship/rapport building using recover-oriented approaches. Supports and assists patients/clients in exploration of skill building, community integration and the development of natural supports in their community, as required. This work is framed within VCH's commitments to our pillars of Indigenous Cultural Safety, Anti-Racism, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, and Planetary Health.

Known as the "gateway to the Sunshine Coast", located just north of Vancouver, Gibsons is a quaint town overlooking a harbour and features the beautiful backdrop of our coastal mountains. This area is located on the traditional territories of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation. This charming municipality filled with artists, entrepreneurs, and fishing boats is just a scenic 40-minute ferry ride from West Vancouver followed by a short 5km drive from the Langdale ferry terminal. It is ideal for residents seeking a relaxing blend of water and land activities. Enjoy an outdoor lifestyle with unlimited hiking, biking, golf, fishing and more in a community rich in culture.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Certificate in a Social Services program and successful completion of a recognized Peer Support Training program and two (2) years recent related experience in a peer support role or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Lived experience with recovery from addiction and/or mental illness and as a recipient of mental health and addiction services including peer knowledge of the designated service user population in the applicable program area or department.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Develops and maintains positive and respectful relationships with co-workers and the multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to deal with others effectively.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
• Ability to organize work.
• Ability to operate related equipment.

Closing Statement

The hours of work including days off and work area may be subject to change consistent with operational requirements and the provision of the Collective Agreement and applicable statutes. Successful applicants may be required to complete a Criminal Records Review Check. As per Ministry of Health policy, all health care workers working in publicly-funded health care facilities are required to report their past receipt of certain vaccines or history of certain infections. Collecting these records will allow for offering of any missing vaccines, and for appropriate actions to be taken in the event of any future exposure to a communicable disease or during outbreaks. For all new hires and appointments to Vancouver Coastal Health, you will be asked to provide this information as part of the onboarding process.

VCH is a world class innovator in medical care, research and teaching, delivering service to more than one million BC residents. At VCH, we embrace thinking boldly, taking smart risks, and "going first" when we believe it will lead to the best possible outcomes for patients and their families. We invite you to join us in creating healthy lives in healthy communities by showcasing our passion for care, connection to the communities we serve and our culture of teamwork that makes VCH a great place to work.

• Comprehensive health benefits package, including MSP, extended health and dental and municipal pension plan
• Grow your career with employer-paid training and leadership development opportunities
• Wellness supports, including counselling, critical incident and innovative wellness services are available to employees and their immediate families
• Award-winning recognition programs to honour staff, medical staff and volunteers
• Access to exclusive discount offers and deals for VCH staff

At Vancouver Coastal Health, our vision of healthy lives in healthy communities inspires us and our values and pillars guide us. We support equitable practices, diverse teams and inclusive environments, which are vital to creating welcoming spaces where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and feel supported. We encourage applications from equity-deserving communities, including Indigenous Peoples and members of racialized groups, people with disabilities and people of all gender identities and expressions and sexual orientation. Vancouver Coastal Health is proud to be recognized as one of BC's Top Employers, Canada's Best Diversity Employers and Canada's Top Employers for Young People in 2025. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted for this posting. Employees of VCH must apply online via the Internal Career Portal on CareerHub, you are currently viewing the External Career Portal. Refer to the site for instructions on how to view internal job postings and how to apply as an employee. Current VCH employees who apply to this posting using this external site will be considered as an external candidate. Seniority will not apply. Thank you for your interest in Vancouver Coastal Health.