Peer Outreach Worker – Substance Use Health
Peer Outreach Worker – Substance Use Health
Job Description
HAMILTON URBAN CORE COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE
Strong Core, Healthier Lives
Peer Outreach Worker – Substance Use Health
Full Time (1 FTE) – 37.5 hours per week
Salary Range: $42,187.83-$50,828.00 per year
Position Description:
The Peer Outreach Worker engages with clients experiencing mental health challenges, substance use, and homelessness, using lived experience to build trust, provide peer support, and connect individuals with Mental Health and Addictions Treatment (MHAT) Hub services and community resources. Working from a harm reduction, recovery-based, trauma-informed, and client-centered approach, the Peer Outreach Worker conducts outreach in shelters, encampments, former Consumption and Treatment Services site, mobile health services, and other high-need locations. They serve as a bridge to the MHAT Hub, providing information about available services, debunking myths, and supporting individuals in accessing health and social supports.
Accountability:
The Peer Outreach Worker reports to the Manager, Substance Use Health, with overall accountability to the Executive Director.
Key Responsibilities:
Engage with individuals in areas of active addiction, including shelters, encampments, and mobile health service locations.
Use lived experience to build trust, reduce stigma, and foster peer-to-peer connections.
Provide non-judgmental support, meeting clients where they are.
Educate individuals about the MHAT Hub, available programs, and how to access services.
Debunk myths and misconceptions about the MHAT Hub and health and social services to encourage engagement.
Distribute supplies, personal care items, and educational resources.
Support individuals in navigating the healthcare, housing, and social service systems. Offer one-on-one peer support and mentorship, helping individuals navigate recovery and wellness.
Facilitate access to basic needs services such as food, shower and laundry programs at the MHAT Hub.
Assist clients with appointments, referrals, and follow-ups to ensure continuity of care.
Work collaboratively with the MHAT hub interdisciplinary providers and CHC’s multidisciplinary team to provide wraparound support.
Provide education and information about overdose prevention and safer substance use.
Help clients understand their rights and available resources, advocating for their needs.
Deliver informal education and awareness sessions in community settings.
Assist in coordinating and facilitating peer-led programs, including drop-in services, wellness activities, and skills-building workshops.
Support the implementation of MHAT Hub programming, ensuring it is inclusive and responsive to community needs.
Work closely with community organizations, housing services, and healthcare providers to improve service access.
Maintain accurate records of client interactions, referrals, and outreach activities.
Provide regular updates and reports to the Manager, Substance Use Health.
Participate in team meetings, training, and professional development opportunities.
Work within an anti-racism, anti-oppression and culturally sensitive framework.
Support the multidisciplinary team in de-escalating situations and ensuring client safety.
Work as part of an inter-professional team and multidisciplinary team, aligning with the Community Health Centre Model of Health and Wellbeing.
Support Centre-wide events, including the annual general meeting, community activities, and special initiatives.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Relevant education and experience working in a fast-paced, health and/or community based setting.
Lived experience with substance use, mental health challenges, or homelessness is strongly preferred.
Demonstrated ability to use personal experiences to support and empower others.
Currently enrolled or completed a post-secondary degree or diploma in a health or social service-related discipline is an asset.
Relevant experience in peer support, outreach, harm reduction, or social services.
Training or certification in peer support, harm reduction, recovery-based, crisis intervention, or trauma-informed care a strong asset.
Experience working with marginalized populations, including individuals who use substances and those experiencing homelessness.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills to engage with diverse populations. o Ability to build trust and rapport with individuals experiencing barriers to care.
Knowledge of harm reduction principles, trauma-informed care, and mental health supports.
Non-judgmental, compassionate, and patient approach when working with clients.
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently in the field.
Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed.
Understanding of anti-oppression, anti-racism, and culturally safe service delivery
Hiring Committee – Peer Outreach Worker – Substance Use Health
Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre
430 Cannon Street East Hamilton Ontario L8L 2C8
Email: [email protected]
Hamilton Urban Core is committed to equity in employment.
While we appreciate every application only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: $42,187.83-$50,828.00 per year
Benefits:
Dental care
Extended health care
Life insurance
On-site parking
Paid time off
Vision care
Schedule:
Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm (1 day per week), weekends as needed.
Work Location: In person
