Job Description

:


Island Health is hiring a

Peer Support Worker

to join our team at the new Urgent and Primary Care Facility in the Cowichan Valley. This facility is currently under construction and is scheduled to open in October 2025. The start date for this position will be late September 2025.



Peer Support Workers work together with the multidisciplinary team to provide services in a flexible, compassionate and responsible manner. The Peer Support Worker provides and organizes required services and shares responsibility with the team for clients who have histories of homelessness, psychiatric disability, substance abuse, criminal justice, and other trauma.



Travel may be a requirement of this position, and transportation arrangements must meet the operational requirements of the Vancouver Island Health Authority in accordance with the service assignment and may require the use of a personal vehicle.

What We Offer

Competitive Wage: $31.56-33.28 Benefits: Extended health (medical, dental), 4 weeks vacation, 13 statutory holidays, accrued sick pay, pension plan, educational scholarships, premium employee discount program. Supportive community: The Cowichan Primary Care Network is a close-knit group of dedicated professionals who support one another to deliver the best possible care to patients in the Cowichan Valley. State-of-the-Art Facility: The Cowichan Urgent Primary Care Centre is currently under construction and is expected to be completed in October 2025. This new two-story centre is designed to deliver urgent, episodic, and ongoing care -- 365 days a year, from 8 AM to 8 PM -- for patients with or without a family doctor.

Qualifications

Education, Training And Experience



To join our team, you will have:


Past or current recipient of mental health and/or substance abuse services. Experience in social services, supported housing/addictions/Public Health. Grade 12; Community Mental Health Certificate or Addiction Worker Certificate. Completion of a recognized Peer Support Training course or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Valid BC Class 5 Driver's License. Experience working with adults and youth with mental health or substance use issues.

Skills And Abilities

Ability to apply clinical and critical thinking expertise. Experience in the delivery of education programs. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Effective verbal and written communication skills. Physical ability to perform the duties of the position. Ability to use an electronic file system for service delivery. Advanced computer skills preferred.

About Cowichan Valley

Cowichan Valley communities range from charming seaside villages to bustling town centres near the centrally located city of Duncan, B.C. The lush, rolling green landscapes and picturesque beaches are great for unwinding, but adventure-seekers also enjoy world-class fly-fishing, kayaking, wildlife viewing, rainforest hiking, golfing, and much more. If you are looking for a year-round work-life balance, this region has a mild climate that allows for an active lifestyle every day of the year.

About Cowichan Urgent and Primary Care Centre

Opening in October 2025, the Cowichan Urgent and Primary Care Centre (UPCC) will bring inclusive, team-based healthcare to the Cowichan Valley. This new two-story centre is designed to deliver urgent, episodic, and ongoing care -- 365 days a year, from 8 AM to 8 PM -- for patients with or without a family doctor. With 12 exam rooms, procedure-ready spaces, onsite X-ray, and a trauma-informed design that includes culturally safe access, the UPCC will offer full-spectrum primary care supported by an interdisciplinary team. Services include chronic disease management, mental health and substance use support, social work, and access to care coordinators. Providers such as Family Physicians and Nurse Practitioners can build their own patient panels in a collaborative environment. The centre also features a Multicultural Room for group visits and community gatherings, overlooking the Cowichan mountain skyline. Built in partnership with Island Health, the Cowichan Primary Care Network, and Indigenous leaders, the Cowichan UPCC sets a new standard for accessible, respectful, and community-rooted healthcare.

About Island Health

Island Health provides health and care services to more than 885,000 people on Vancouver Island, the islands in the Salish Sea and the Johnstone Strait, and mainland communities north of Powell River. With more than 30,000 health care professionals, including more than 3,000 doctors, nurse practitioners, midwives and dentists that make up our Medical Staff, as well as 1,000 dedicated volunteers. Together, we are committed to providing superior health care through innovation, teaching and research and a commitment to quality and safety, creating healthier, stronger communities and a better quality of life for those we touch.



Island Health continues to be selected for top employer awards, including BCs Top Employer (2024). As an organization, we are committed to cultural safety and humility and we demonstrate this through our actions to address Indigenous specific racism, systemic racism and the ongoing impacts of colonialism. Please reach out to our Indigenous Employee Experience team for support with your application if you identify as Indigenous at indigenousemployment@islandhealth.ca



Island Health is committed to creating a workplace that fosters diversity and inclusion by attracting, retaining and developing a talented and diverse workforce which broadly reflects the community and citizens we serve. As such, we encourage applications from individuals from all genders, backgrounds and underrepresented groups.

What are you waiting for?

Our career opportunities in Cowichan would be a great fit for you if you love the outdoors, want to escape big-city living, and are looking for a new, fulfilling career in a vibrant, culturally diverse community.

Job Requirements:

https://jd.viha.ca/JD2872.pdf