Okanagan Indian Band Peer Support Workers (2)

KʷU KʷLIW̓T L̓ NQMAPLQS | WE LIVE AT HEAD OF THE LAKE

Located within the unceded territory of the syilx people, the Okanagan Indian Band is comprised of six reserves located in the North Okanagan.
Come join the OKIB Team and enjoy all that the beautiful Okanagan Valley has to offer, including a great climate, stunning scenery, world-class ski resorts, golf courses, wineries and beaches.

The OKIB offers a welcoming team environment and a rewarding job experience. You can expect a supportive work environment and a total compensation package which includes:

• 3 Weeks’ Vacation Pay

• Extended Health and Dental Benefits

• Employer Matched Pension Plan

• 15 Statutory Holidays

• Paid Winter Holiday Break

• Cultural Leave

• Discounted Silver Star lift passes

• Retention Bonuses after years of service

• 15 Paid Sick Days

• Paid Personal Leave

• Employee Assistance Program

• Professional Development Opportunities

Hours of work**: 37.5 hours per week**

Start Date: ASAP

Deadline for applications**: October 28, 2025**

JOB SUMMARY
The Peer Support Worker helps guide clients and their families with Mental Health and Substance Use (MHSU) challenges through the wellness journey. This role provides support to build on strengths, talents and interests in order to foster hope, growth and self-determination. The Peer Support Worker is encouraged to utilize their own knowledge gained from lived experience, allowing clients to connect more deeply with people who are still struggling.

This position is expected to work after work and school hours in the evenings and on weekends.

REPORTING STRUCTURE
Reports to the Harm Reduction Supervisor.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Works in close collaboration with the Harm Reduction Supervisor supporting clients to establish group and one-to-one peer support meetings, to plan and deliver information sessions, to develop relationships based on respect and to assists clients and their support network with locating appropriate health, social and legal services and resources

• Provides advocacy on behalf of clients, organize venues and materials for support sessions, select and screen a group of volunteer active and non-active drug users as applicable to their designated programs.

• Acts as a peer-representative and shares own consumer knowledge to ensure the program is developed from a lived experience perspective.

• Facilitates peer-based mentoring and guidance to support clients in their exploration of skill-building, growth, empowerment, and personal development

• Engages in on-going evaluation and quality improvement initiatives related to peer support service delivery to ensure quality, effective client-centered practices

• Provides education and supports change management within the community to build knowledge and capacity regarding peer support services, including but not limited to staff in-services, community education sessions, and committee/network involvement.

• Acts as the liaison between the OKIB Mental Health and Wellness program and other OKIB Health and Wellness staff (eg, Public Health Nurses) to encourage organizational involvement.

• Identifies trends, needs, and priorities of mental health and wellness related issues of current and emerging Opioid and other substances, response best practices.

• Performs other duties as required

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR
You have education, experience, or an equivalent combination may be considered. You are community-minded, detail-oriented, have a willingness to contribute to a team and an excellent communicator.

Education

• Diploma in a Social Services program and successful completion of a recognized Peer Support Training program preferred
• Certificates in Mental Health First Aid, CPR and Naloxone or willingness to obtain
• Class 5 drivers license and a reliable vehicle

Experience

• Some background and applied experience working within a First Nations health and human services organization
• Lived experience with mental illness/substance use and recovery

Competencies (KSAs & Desired Attributes)

• Possesses cultural appropriateness and sensitivity towards OKIB and Community

• Willingness to work with diverse First Nations populations with Mental Health and Substance Use related issues and to recognize and respond appropriately to the needs of the peers and clients – in support of local First Nations communities and their Mental Health and Wellness teams.

• Willingness to learn and share with client and colleagues: principles of recovery in mental illness and crisis intervention peer-run programs

• Mental Health and Substance Use, recovery principles and treatment including methadone and suboxone

• Mental health and addictions resources and community services that can be recommended to clients

• Knowledge and skills of advocacy, empowerment, and mental health recovery principles

• Ability to adjust to new or unexpected events, analyze complex situations, problem-solve, think critically and deal effectively with conflict situations.

• Ability to understand and follow a strength-based approach for sharing challenges and co-creating solutions

• Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, facilitate and monitor program progress across the sub-region.

• Ability to provide direction and demonstrated ability of facilitation skills.

• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

• Ability to work independently and in cooperation with others.

• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.

• Team oriented approach to leadership and a commitment to a peer driven process.

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a member of a virtual interdisciplinary team.

• Basic computer literacy to operate word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, database, Internet and e-mail software.

• Values and recognizes diversity among First Nation, Inuit and Metis communities including differently abled and LGBTQ2S populations

CLASSIFICATION/PAY SCALE
$25.00 - $27.00 per hour dependant upon education and experience

Please send resume, cover letter and references in any one of two ways:

Email: recruiting@okanagan.org
Mail or drop off: 12420 Westside Road, Vernon, BC V1H 2A4
If you have accessibility needs, please contact Hollie Lachuk @ 250-542-4328 ext. 1011

The successful applicant will be required to provide a Criminal Record Check that includes the vulnerable sector and three references

Preference will be given to qualified Aboriginal Applicants as per section 41 of the Human Rights Code***.***

Education : College, CEGEP or other non-university certificate or diploma from a program of 1 year to 2 years

Experience : 1 year to less than 2 years