Peer Support Worker

Job summary

The Peer Support Worker provides direct support to women in a drop-in and shelter environment, helping them access services and meet practical needs. They work within a feminist and anti-oppression framework to manage crises and collaborate with staff to deliver integrated care.

Job details

Peer Support Worker The Opportunity The Peer Support Worker is responsible to support women to secure practical needs and access support services, while managing crisis in the Drop-in and/or Shelter. Promoting principles of peer support she will work in collaboration with other DEWC staff to promote integrated services to women and in-centre volunteers. She will work from a feminist perspective and within an anti-oppression framework. About DEWC The Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre (DEWC) exists to support and empower women and children, living in extreme poverty in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, who are particularly vulnerable to violence, exploitation, injustice and injury. Through low barrier Drop-In Centers and Emergency Shelters, DEWC provides basic need services, programs, and specialized supports to over 1000 women and children daily to help them survive the conditions that surround them. See website (www.dewc.ca [http://www.dewc.ca/]) for details on our mission and mandate as well as programs and services. About You * You have a minimum of 2 years related experience preferable within a drop in and/or shelter environment. * You will promote and articulate the mission, mandate, philosophy, and values of DEWC. * You are knowledgeable of the issues impacting women in the dtes, including gender-based violence, mental health, homelessness, and substance use with an understanding of trauma-informed care responses. * You have the ability to work calmly and respectfully within a busy, chaotic, crisis driven environment where there are multiple demands and prioritize. * You are familiar with other support services, agencies and community resources. * You have strong conflict resolution skills and demonstrated crises intervention training and experience * You have, or will obtain, a First Aid Certification and NVCI. Benefits of Joining the DEWC Team Healthcare: Extended health & dental coverage* including vision, prescription medications, alternative therapies, EAP, and life insurance For your Retirement: Enrolled in the Municipal Pension Plan* with a matching contribution from DEWC. Other perks: Compressed work schedule; regular staff development days; and DEWC employees are considered first for any open positions. *enrolment & eligibility conditions apply POSITION DETAILS: * Permanent Full Time * Work Schedule - Week 1: Sunday to Thursday (3:30pm – 12am) Week 2: Monday to Thursday (4pm – 12am) * Union position: BCGEU * Hourly Rate: $30.22 * Location: 412 Cordova * Application Closing Date: September 21, 2026. Start Date: ASAP Indigenous women and women of color are strongly encouraged to apply. Additional languages spoken an asset. **While we thank all applicants for their interests, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted**

What you’ll do

The Peer Support Worker provides direct support to women in a drop-in and shelter environment, helping them access services and meet practical needs. They work within a feminist and anti-oppression framework to manage crises and collaborate with staff to deliver integrated care.

Requirements

Candidates must have at least two years of related experience in a shelter or drop-in setting and possess strong crisis intervention and conflict resolution skills. Knowledge of issues impacting women in the Downtown Eastside, such as homelessness and mental health, is required along with relevant certifications.

Benefits

• Extended health coverage • Dental coverage • Vision care • Prescription medications • Alternative therapies • Employee assistance program • Life insurance • Municipal pension plan • Compressed work schedule • Staff development days

Listed skills

• First Aid · Preferred
• crisis intervention · Preferred
• community resource navigation · Preferred
• Mental Health Support · Preferred
• case management · Preferred
• Conflict Resolution · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Crisis intervention
• Conflict resolution
• Trauma-informed care
• Case management
• Feminist perspective
• Anti-oppression framework
• Mental health support
• Substance use support
• Homelessness support
• First aid
• Non-violent crisis intervention
• Community resource navigation
• Support Services
• Trauma Informed Approaches
• First Aid Certification
• Alternative Therapies
• Mental Health
• Conflict Resolution
• Training And Development
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Medical Prescription
• Peer Support

Job areas

• Social Services
• Healthcare
• Security & Safety
• Peer Support Worker
• Family / School / General Social Worker
• Social Work and Counselling Professionals
• Child, Family, and School Social Workers