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Peer Support Jobs in Ontario (NOW HIRING)

HOPE services are based on the peer support model and provide parents and caregivers support from a peer lens. Parents of children with mental health, social/emotional and behavioural challenges are ...

Peer Recovery Support Specialist (PRSS) certification in good standing * Requires valid Texas Driver's License, appropriate driving record and auto liability insurance * Experience preferred

$19.50/hr

To support the continued delivery of quality and compassionate care in our communities, we are ... As a Peer Specialist on our Substance Use Recovery team, you'll provide hope, support, and real ...

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Peer Support information

See Ontario salary details

$11

$15

$29

How much do peer support jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for peer support in Ontario is $15.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.22 and $15.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a peer support specialist?

Peer support specialists are individuals with lived experience of mental health challenges, substance use, or other life disruptions who are trained to support others facing similar situations. They use their personal experiences to provide empathy, encouragement, and practical assistance to help others in their recovery journeys. Peer support specialists often work in mental health settings, addiction recovery programs, hospitals, or community organizations. Their role is to offer hope and understanding, foster empowerment, and connect people to resources while promoting wellness and self-advocacy.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a peer support specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Peer Support Specialist, you need lived experience with mental health or substance use recovery, strong interpersonal skills, and usually a peer support certification. Familiarity with electronic documentation systems and knowledge of community resources are commonly required. Empathy, active listening, and nonjudgmental communication set outstanding peer supporters apart. These skills foster trust and empowerment, enabling clients to engage in recovery and access vital support services.

What are some common challenges faced by peer support specialists, and how can they effectively manage these challenges?

Peer support specialists often encounter challenges such as maintaining professional boundaries while building trust with clients, managing emotional stress from supporting individuals in crisis, and navigating complex healthcare or social service systems. To effectively manage these challenges, it's important to participate in regular supervision or debriefings, engage in ongoing training, and practice self-care to prevent burnout. Collaboration with clinical staff and open communication within the team also support a healthy work environment and ensure high-quality support for clients.

What is the difference between Peer Support vs Peer Support?

AspectPeer SupportPeer Support
CredentialsOften requires certification in peer support or mental health first aidSame as Peer Support
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, mental health clinics, hospitalsSame as Peer Support
Industry UsageHealthcare, mental health, social servicesSame as Peer Support
Search IntentComparing roles within peer support servicesSame as Peer Support

Since the comparison is between the same job title, Peer Support, the roles, credentials, and work environments are identical. The focus is on understanding how peer support workers assist individuals through shared experiences in various settings like healthcare and community services.

How to get a job as a peer support specialist?

To become a peer support specialist, individuals typically need to have lived experience with mental health or substance use challenges and complete relevant training or certification programs. Many employers also require strong communication skills, empathy, and a background in healthcare or social services, with some positions requiring a high school diploma or equivalent. Gaining experience through volunteer work or internships can also improve job prospects.

What are the duties of a peer support?

A peer support worker provides emotional support, guidance, and encouragement to individuals facing similar challenges, such as mental health or substance use issues. They listen actively, share experiences, and help clients access resources or services, often working in community or healthcare settings. Strong communication skills and relevant training or certifications are typically required for this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Peer Support jobs in Ontario?

The most popular types of Peer Support jobs in Ontario are:

What are popular job titles related to Peer Support jobs in Ontario?

For Peer Support jobs in Ontario, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Peer Support jobs in Ontario look for?

The top searched job categories for Peer Support jobs in Ontario are:

What cities in Ontario are hiring for Peer Support jobs?

Cities in Ontario with the most Peer Support job openings:

Infographic showing various Peer Support job openings in Ontario as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,913 per year, or $15.3 per hour.

STBBI Peer Support Worker

M'chigeeng, ON โ€ข On-site

Other

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Department:                         Health Services

Classification/Level:            CS-2

Employment Status:            Term Full-Time (1 yr Funding with Possible Extension) 


Reporting Relationship

The STBBI Peer Support Worker reports administratively to the Nursing Supervisor through the Nurse Coordinator and maintains a functional reporting relationship with the Mental Health Supervisor to ensure program alignment and consistency.

Position Summary

The Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections (STBBI) Peer Support Worker will assist with the facilitation of the mobile community health STBBI services by providing peer-to-peer support through lived experience. To support increasing access to harm reduction services. To partner with current Mental Health & Addictions program to facilitate peer support groups, education and prevention programming.

Essential Functions

An active member of the Health Services team in the delivery of a comprehensive Community Outreach Based STBBI Program compromised of the following activities:

  • Assess client skills, strengths and individual needs
  • Ensure community members are supported while developing peer networks and peer support opportunities
  • Provide de-escalation and facilitate conflict resolution while supporting community members
  • Provide emotional support to community members through active listening and debriefing
  • Provide peer support to community members of the Wellness Recovery Program (Addiction Medicine Clinic)
  • Assist with STBBI health promotion and prevention programming through community education sessions, events & activities
  • Utilize the Mobile Clinic Van to conduct regular home visits a/o wellness checks with STBBI Nurse Coordinator a/o Case Manager
  • Support with the expansion of harm reduction program including needle exchange program, distribution of safe injection, safe shorting, safe inhalation, and naloxone kits
  • Provide appropriate referrals and advocacy with health care and other service providers as required
  • Assist with the coordination of Traditional services and programming
  • Attend meetings and appointments to support/advocate in the best interests of the community member(s) well-being
  • Maintain a strong working knowledge of local services and resources
  • Participate in ongoing professional development to ensure skills and knowledge are current and relevant to position
  • Completion of charting and date collection with the Electronic Medical Record
  • Attend and participate in regular team and staff meetings, strategic planning and external partner meetings when requested
  • Understand and adheres to all MFN policies and procedures
  • Other duties/assignments as requested

Qualifications and Requirements

Preferred

  • Previous work experience in First Nation Mental Health & Addictions or Social Services would be an asset
  • Post-Secondary Diploma in Health or a Social Services discipline
  • Peer Support Core Essential Program Training and/or experience
  • Two (2) years’ work-related experience or lived experience of Mental Health & Addictions

Minimum

  • Grade 12 Graduate or equivalent
  • Excellent Inter-personal skills and ability to connect with community members
  • Ability to problem solve with peers and propose helpful supports and resources
  • Strong conflict resolution skills and practice
  • Lived experience of Mental Health & Addictions
  • Valid CPR and First Aid Certification
  • Non-Violence Crisis Intervention, De-escalation Skills and ASIST Training
  • Valid Ontario Driver’s License and own vehicle


Other

  • Must have knowledge and/or experience with the Anishnaawbe culture, history and customs
  • Understanding and fluency in Anishnaabemowin would be an asset or must be a willing to learn
  • Criminal Reference Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening (CRC/VSS) requirement

CRC/VSS Rationale

CRC must be thirty (30) days current and be an original or certified copy. All individuals applying for employment with MFN Health Services are required to submit a Vulnerable Sector Screen and Criminal Record Check as these individuals will be working directly/indirectly with vulnerable people. All individuals employed under the Health Services must have a record clear of charges and convictions relating to child sexual harassment or abuse of any kind.


Interested applicants must submit cover letter, resume, and three (3) current work related references (2 work-related references from a direct supervisor/manager and 1-character reference that will be contacted upon a successful interview) and education certifications.


STBBI Peer Support Worker

employment@mchigeeng.ca

Human Resources

53 Highway 540

M’CHIGEENG, ON P0P 1G0 (Fax 705-377-4980)