Peer Support Provider - ICP

St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton • Hamilton, ON

7d • CA$30 - CA$35 • Onsite

About The Position

The Integrated Care Pathway (ICP) is a multidisciplinary, emergency department-focused service that works closely with Emergency Department staff, the ICP Coordinator, the Capacity Building Team, physicians, nurses, and community partners to support individuals who use substances and are seeking care. The primary goal of ICP is to engage individuals who present to the Emergency Department and support timely connections to ongoing care and services that align with their goals. This may include referrals and follow-up support related to Addiction Medicine, RAAM Clinic, Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT), withdrawal management (detox), harm reduction services, primary care, community health and social services, shelter and housing resources, or hospital admission when required. ICP operates from a harm reduction and patient-centered approach, recognizing and respecting everyone's autonomy and right to make informed decisions regarding their substance use and health care needs. Services include assessment, consultation, care coordination, discharge planning, system navigation, follow-up support, and capacity building across St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton and community partner organizations.

The Peer Support Provider delivers both formal and informal peer support to individuals who use substances and are accessing care through the Emergency Department. Working as part of the Integrated Care Pathway team, the Peer Support Provider engages individuals while they are in the Emergency Department and supports connections to appropriate health care and community-based services. The role involves collaborating closely with Emergency Department staff, the ICP Coordinator, and other members of the care team to facilitate successful transitions from the Emergency Department to community support. The Peer Support Provider provides education and support related to substance use treatment options, harm reduction services, withdrawal management, Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT), RAAM Clinic referrals, addiction medicine services, shelter and housing supports, and other community resources. Using a peer support framework, the successful candidate helps individuals explore available options and access services that align with their identified goals. While this role includes a stronger focus on substance use of care planning and resource navigation than other peer support positions, it remains grounded in the principles of self-determination, harm reduction, and patient choice. The Peer Support Provider supports individuals in making informed decisions about their care without judgment, coercion, or predetermined treatment expectations.

Requirements

• Minimum one (1) year of experience (paid or volunteer) providing peer support within a harm reduction, substance use, health care, or community-based setting.
• Personal lived experience with substance use, homelessness, recovery, or other relevant life experiences.
• Demonstrated understanding and application of peer support values and principles, including hope, recovery, self-determination, mutuality, empathy, dignity, respect, social inclusion, wellness, and personal growth.
• Strong knowledge of substance use, harm reduction practices, withdrawal management services, Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT), Addiction Medicine, RAAM Clinics, and community resources available to people who use substances.
• Understanding the health and social challenges experienced by individuals who use substances, including homelessness, poverty, stigma, and barriers to care.
• Strong assessment, engagement, crisis intervention, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to establish rapport quickly and work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated ability to support patients in identifying goals and navigating available treatment, harm reduction, health care, and community support options.
• Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability in responding to changing priorities and work assignments within a fast-paced Emergency Department environment.
• Commitment to continuous learning, reflective practice, and professional development.
• Reliable attendance and a strong employment record are essential.

Nice To Haves

• ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) or comparable suicide intervention training is preferred; training may be provided.

Responsibilities

• Deliver formal and informal peer support to individuals who use substances and are accessing care through the Emergency Department.
• Engage individuals in the Emergency Department and support connections to appropriate health care and community-based services.
• Collaborate with Emergency Department staff, the ICP Coordinator, and other care team members to facilitate successful transitions from the Emergency Department to community support.
• Provide education and support related to substance use treatment options, harm reduction services, withdrawal management, Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT), RAAM Clinic referrals, addiction medicine services, shelter and housing supports, and other community resources.
• Utilize a peer support framework to help individuals explore available options and access services that align with their identified goals.
• Support individuals in making informed decisions about their care without judgment, coercion, or predetermined treatment expectations.
• Model effective self-care and self-management practices.
• Work effectively under pressure, both independently and as part of a collaborative team.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed