Description
POSITION TITLE: #250203-02
POSITION TITLE: Peer Facilitator – Survivors of Suicide: Community Care Sessions
PROGRAM: Community Care and Peer Support Initiatives
POSITION TYPE: Part-Time; fixed term contract until Dec 31, 2026
HOURS OF WORK: 20 hours per week; daytime, evening and/or weekend work will be required.
POSITION SUMMARY: The Peer Facilitator will bring lived experience of suicide loss, suicide ideation or survival of a suicide attempt to provide hope, empathy, and practical support to individuals participating in the
Survivors of Suicide: Community Care Sessions, a peer-led initiative aimed at bringing together individuals who have struggled with suicide personally or have experienced suicide loss. Working as part of a co-facilitation team, the Peer Facilitator will use their own recovery journey to build trust, reduce stigma, and help participants feel understood and supported. The Peer Facilitator will also contribute to the planning and delivery of a key Celebration of Life event for the community.
REPORTS TO: Team Lead – Survivors of Suicide: Community Care Sessions
LOCATION: Calgary, Alberta – Onsite in CMHA Calgary’s Welcome Centre; may also include external community sites and virtual delivery/hybrid work.
Key Service Responsibilities And Specific Accountabilities
Direct Peer Support and Facilitation
- Co-facilitate peer-led group sessions for individuals impacted by suicide.
- Build supportive, trusting relationships with participants based on shared experience and mutual respect.
- Provide one-to-one peer support as needed, focused on recovery, resilience, wellness, and stability.
- Share personal strategies for coping, problem-solving, and building connections, while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
Documentation & Learning
- Maintain accurate and respectful records of peer support activities in accordance with program requirements.
- Contribute feedback on participant needs, service gaps and the role of peer support in suicide bereavement supports.
- Engage in ongoing learning, research, and professional development.
Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Lived experience of suicide loss, suicide ideation or survival of a suicide attempt, and readiness to share aspects of this experience in a supportive and purposeful way.
- Completion of formal Peer Support training (or willingness to complete training upon hire).
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and foster hope.
- Knowledge of recovery principles, harm reduction, and trauma-informed practice.
- Competence with computer-based systems and platforms, including Microsoft Office and virtual delivery tools (e.g., Zoom).
Personal & Team Attributes
- Excellent interpersonal, facilitation, and relationship-building skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to create inclusive, safe, and empowering group environments.
- Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation, and comfort working with diverse groups including Indigenous and newcomer populations.
- Approachable, compassionate, and grounded, with strong boundaries and emotional intelligence.
- Reflective, collaborative, and open to feedback and continuous learning.
- Flexible, adaptable, and comfortable navigating complex and emotionally sensitive environments.
- Able to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Additional Requirements
- Ability to work various shifts including daytime, evenings, and weekends.
- Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), Suicide Prevention, Risk Assessment and Management (SPRAM), or an equivalent and previous involvement working with individuals or experiencing suicidal feelings are considered assets.
- Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) training, CPR and First Aid training are considered assets.
Working Conditions
- This role involves a balance of facilitation, administrative, and computer-based work. In-person session delivery will primarily take place at CMHA Calgary’s Welcome Centre, with potential for community-based and virtual/hybrid delivery.
- This role requires balancing multiple priorities and maintaining emotional resilience when working in trauma-impacted spaces.
Disclaimer
- The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, knowledge, skills, or abilities required.
APPLICATION INFORMATION
Application closing date:
February 10, 2026
Candidates meeting the above criteria who wish to apply for this exciting opportunity should email their cover letter and resume to Human Resources at careers@cmha.calgary.ab.ca.
Please include the reference
#250203-02 in your email subject line of your application.
We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted.
