Peer Support Specialist
Why Work for SOAR Community Services
About SOAR Community Services
SOAR Community Services (formerly St. Leonard's Community Services) has been an established part of the community for more than 55 years, and is accredited for our excellence in serving children, youth, adults, and families.
Our Values
These aren’t just “lip-service” to us – we work and live by them. If you do, too, we want to talk to you!
- Inclusive – we value everyone and their unique perspectives and journeys
- Compassionate – we care about our clients, our staff, partners, and the communities we serve
- Collaborative – we work together to support our clients and community
- Integrity – we hold ourselves accountable and are fair, trustworthy, and dedicated to our mission to empower people to achieve their vision of independence, health, and wellbeing
- Innovative – we are open to change and continuous improvement
- Genuine – we are honest, respectful, and authentic with our clients, each other, and our partners
- Optimistic – we believe that everyone can accomplish their goals
Tuesday 12:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday 12:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday 12:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday 12:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Duties
We believe recovery is not just possible, it’s powerful. And no one understands that better than someone who’s lived it. That’s why we’re looking for a Peer Support Specialist whose personal journey with addiction and/or mental health challenges has shaped a deep understanding of what healing truly means.
As a Peer Support Specialist in our Withdrawal Management and Treatment programs, you’ll be a vital part of an interdisciplinary team supporting individuals aged 16+ who are navigating addictions and concurrent disorders. You’ll offer one-on-one and group support, facilitate peer-led programming like Continuing Care and Hopeful Journeys, and help create a safe, welcoming space where people feel seen, heard, and empowered.
This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to turn your lived experience into leadership.
What You’ll Do
Your lived experience is your superpower. You’ll use it to:
- Build authentic relationships with clients in a bed-based recovery environment
- Share your story and strategies to inspire hope and model recovery
- Mentor peers as they define and pursue their own goals
- Facilitate peer-led groups for clients in treatment, on waitlists, and post-treatment
- Offer practical support, connection, and coping tools for daily life
- Collaborate with clinical staff, bringing a peer perspective to the team
- Maintain healthy boundaries while fostering trust and community
Qualifications
We’re looking for someone who’s walked the path and is ready to walk beside others.
- Personal lived experience with substance use and/or mental health systems
- A college diploma or certificate in any field
- A strong sense of empathy, resilience, and respect for diverse recovery journeys
- Comfort using MS Office and working with databases
- Access to reliable transportation
- Ability to manage exposure to vicarious trauma with self-care and support
Eligibility
As soon as possible
Benefits
- 3 weeks’ vacation, 60 hours of personal leave, 15 wellness hours (pro-rated first year)
- Employee Assistance Plan for staff and families
- Fun staff events and community-building activities
- Group health, dental, vision & travel insurance (100% employer-paid for full-time staff)
- RSP/TFSA plans with pension matching for eligible staff
- A workplace culture that prioritizes your physical and mental well-being
How to Apply
Email your cover letter and resume to: sonia.krizikova@soarcs.ca or recruit@soarcs.ca
Our Commitment to Job Seekers
St. Leonard’s Community Services Inc. is committed to implementing the Calls to Action framed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. We acknowledge that we live and work on the Treaty Lands and Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit and traditional territories of the Erie, Neutral, Huron-Wyandot, the Haudenosaunee, and some of the Ojibwa Nation. The territory is mutually covered by the Dish with One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant. We are grateful to have the opportunity to work in this community, on this territory. We also acknowledge that the settler population has been able to benefit from this beautiful land. We are all treaty members and will strive to act in solidarity with Indigenous Peoples and center their voices.
The Agency values the diverse and intersectional identities of its clients and staff. The Agency regards equity and diversity as an integral part of excellent community service and is committed to accessibility for all staff. The Agency seeks applicants who embrace our values and beliefs around respect for the dignity and diversity of our clients, staff, and community. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis, and/or Inuit/Inuk, Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.
The Agency encourages applications from all qualified individuals. If you are an applicant with disabilities and require accommodations, please let us know at the time of our contact so that we may arrange for their provision.
Personal information submitted will only be used for the purposes of the competition in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act.