Peer Community Event Co-Planner

City: Merritt

Program and Site Location: ASK Works, Merritt Main Office

Reports To: Director of Merritt Operations

Term: May 5, 2025 – August 22, 2025

Hours: 6 hours/week, days and times TBD

Wage: $20.00/hour

The ASK Wellness Society is an Accredited, not-for-profit organization. Through the generous support of funders, we assist those who are marginalized and at-risk to strengthen the communities we serve (Kamloops, Merritt, and Penticton). We provide housing and support to those who are facing or at risk of homelessness and support those who may use substances, or who require mental health supports, harm reduction, or health education. Ultimately, we aim to provide the skills to re-enter the workforce.

ASK Works is a division of the ASK Wellness Society that provides opportunities to individuals to achieve connection, dignity and purpose through meaningful employment.

What is a Peer?

Peers are typically individuals who have themselves lived experience with a specific health condition or issue and use this experience to help others access the resources they need. They can work in a variety of settings, including access hubs, community health centers, and patient advocacy organizations. Peers are a part of a larger team of professionals and work closely with support workers and other providers. Overall, the role of a Peer employee is to provide a unique perspective and understanding to community members involved in programming and/or events. 

What We Offer:

• On-site training and development opportunities

• A culture of equality, inclusion, and diversity

Position Summary:  Under the guidance of our Director of Merritt Operations, the Peer Employee in accordance with the established vision, mission, and values of the ASK Wellness Society, will work with team members to plan, organize, and take part in community clean up events.  Key tasks within this position will be to build relationships with community resources, local businesses, and other community members and to recruit and support individuals facing mental health, substance use, or other social challenges to take part in the events. The Peer Employee will provide person-centered, strength-based and recovery-oriented care. Within the role, depending on your skills and abilities, you will take on a variety of duties which also may include miscellaneous general labour tasks. 

Typical Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work alongside team members to plan, organize, and implement community clean up events involving peers, partner agencies, local businesses, and other community partners

• Work with project supervisor to recruit peers for each community event

• Shares lived-experience perspectives to model hope and recovery for all, and consistently demonstrates effective communication, conflict resolution and advocacy skills.  

• Follow safe work procedures and act safely in the workplace at all times.

• Maintaining and upkeep of all cleaning equipment, supplies and products.

• Ensuring safe and sanitary storage and care of products. 

• Keeping all spaces neat and tidy.

• Reporting repairs and replacements when encountered on the job to your supervisor.

• Report any dangerous situations in the workplace to your supervisor.

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of client interactions and progress

• Other duties which may or may not be outlined in this job description.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Experience in a peer support role or similar position an asset.

• Direct lived experience with mental health and/or substance use challenges.

• Completion of a Peer Support Training program or willingness to obtain certification an asset.

• Strong understanding of recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and harm reduction approaches.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and active listening skills.

• Ability to maintain professional boundaries while providing empathetic support.

• Knowledge of local community resources and services.

• Proficiency in using computer systems for documentation and data entry.

• Ideal candidate is comfortable as a team player who can take and follow directions and is keen to promote and maintain a safe work environment.

• Level 1 First Aid an asset.

• Food Safe certification an asset.

• WHMIS an asset.

• Respectful workplace and occupational health and safety training provided.

If you self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit) and/or would like assistance with the application process, job readiness, interview readiness or tips for resume and cover letter writing, we encourage you to contact us, and you will be redirected to our Employment Advisor.

The ASK Wellness Society is dedicated to promoting diversity/multiculturalism with inclusion as one of our Core Values.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age.

Please visit our careers page to see more job opportunities.