Peer Support Navigator

Job Posting

Position: Peer Support Navigator (New Role)

Department: Eskasoni Mental Health Services – Crisis Team
Reports to: Crisis Supervisor
Status: 1 year term (37.5 hours per week) Non- Unionized

About the Opportunity

Eskasoni Mental Health Services is introducing a new role within the Crisis Team: the Peer Support Navigator. This position has been created to strengthen culturally grounded, relationship-based support for individuals and families accessing crisis services.

The Peer Support Navigator plays a unique and important role within the multidisciplinary team by offering non-clinical, peer-based support rooted in lived experience, empathy, and respect. This role focuses on walking alongside clients during times of crisis, helping them feel heard, supported, and connected to community resources and services.

Reporting to the Crisis Supervisor, the Peer Support Navigator provides one-on-one and group-based support, assists clients in navigating systems, and contributes to a holistic “circle of care” approach. This position does not provide clinical counselling or medical advice, but instead focuses on advocacy, connection, and supporting clients in their own healing journey in a culturally safe and meaningful way.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one peer support to clients accessing crisis services
• Support clients in navigating community resources, including housing, income support, and legal services
• Act as a liaison between clients and service providers to ensure client voices, rights, and choices are respected
• Accompany clients to appointments as appropriate
• Facilitate peer support groups and workshops on topics such as self-esteem, life skills, journaling, and employment readiness
• Support the development of a “circle of care” by coordinating with service providers (with client consent), including social workers, schools, child welfare, and law enforcement
• Assist in organizing and participating in talking circles and other culturally meaningful gatherings
• Maintain communication with community agencies and healthcare providers involved in client care
• Promote a culturally safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for clients and families
• Maintain accurate and confidential documentation in accordance with program standards
• Participate in team meetings, training, and ongoing professional development
• Carry out additional duties as required by leadership

Qualifications

• High school diploma (minimum required)
• Certificate in Social Services or undergraduate degree considered an asset
• Lived experience related to mental health, addictions, homelessness, or personal healing journeys is strongly valued
• Knowledge of Mi’kmaq culture, traditions, and community supports is highly valued
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to build trust and maintain respectful, supportive relationships
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and boundaries
• Ability to speak and/or understand Mi’kmaq is an asset
  

Experience

• Experience in peer support, mental health, or social services preferred
• Experience working with Indigenous communities is an asset
• Experience facilitating groups or community-based programming is considered an asset
  

Cultural Knowledge & Skills

• Understanding of culturally safe, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approaches
• Respect for Mi’kmaw culture, values, and ways of knowing
• Knowledge of community-based supports and services
• Ability to support clients in a holistic and relationship-based way
  

Additional Requirements

• Must be willing and able to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and during emergencies (e.g., storms)
• Valid Police Vulnerable Sector Check and clear Sexual Abuse Registry check required
• Training in ASIST, Mental Health First Aid (First Nations), SafeTALK, or similar is an asset (training will be provided if needed)

Application Process

Interested internal applicants are encouraged to submit a cover letter and updated resume outlining their qualifications and interest in this position by job posting link bambooHR by 4:00pm June 12, 2026.