Peer Housing Navigator

Identifying Information

Organization Summary

Canadian Mental Health Association – Edmonton Region (CMHA Edmonton) is a community-based organization dedicated to strengthening mental health and wellbeing for all. Guided by its mission to advance a coordinated and effective system of community mental health and suicide prevention programs and services, CMHA Edmonton delivers a broad range of supports, including crisis response, navigation services, housing services, peer and family programs, and community-based initiatives. The organization is committed to person-centred service delivery, collaboration, lived-experience leadership, and continuous improvement in support of meaningful and lasting community impact.

Program Area Summary

Support Services at CMHA Edmonton provide compassionate, recovery-oriented support for individuals, families, and communities. Through peer support, family support, and suicide grief support programs, people can access connection, education, system navigation, advocacy, and practical resources. Grounded in lived and living experience, these services help build hope, strengthen wellbeing, reduce isolation, and support people in achieving their goals and navigating life's challenges.

Role Summary

The Peer Housing Navigator (PHN) uses lived and living experience of mental health, substance use, and related challenges to provide meaningful, strengths-based support to others on their recovery journeys. Through peer connection, role modelling, and practical assistance, the PHN fosters hope, resilience, and independence while supporting individuals to navigate challenges, build skills, and connect with community resources that promote wellbeing, belonging and stabilization of housing.

Key Responsibilities

Accountable for delivering peer-based, recovery-oriented support that fosters hope, connection, and independence by building trusting relationships, sharing lived experience, and supporting individuals to achieve their self-defined goals.

Peer Support & Participant Engagement

• Build respectful, trust-based relationships with participants grounded in empathy, hope, and mutuality.
• Provide one-on-one and group peer support using lived experience to inspire recovery and resilience.
• Support participants in identifying strengths, setting self-directed goals, and developing problem-solving strategies.
• Promote independence and skill development through practical supports for daily living.
• Encourage connection, belonging, and participation in community and social activities.

Service Navigation & Practical Support

• Assist participants in navigating systems and accessing community, housing, health, and social supports.
• Provide wayfinding, resource sharing, and support with service access and follow-through.
• Support participants in building life skills that contribute to housing stability and overall wellbeing.
• Facilitate warm connections to additional supports, including peer and community-based services.

Program Participation & Evaluation

• Participate in Peer Support Worker training and ongoing learning opportunities.
• Contribute to program evaluation activities, including surveys, focus groups, and participant feedback processes.
• Support the collection of participant stories and lived experience insights to inform program quality and improvement.
• Engage in regular check-ins with participants to review goals, progress, and support needs.

Documentation & Administration

• Maintain accurate and timely service delivery logs and participant records.
• Complete administrative requirements, including timesheets and expense claims, within established timelines.
• Participate in team meetings, supervision, and program planning discussions.

Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

• Collaborate with internal teams, service providers, and community partners to support participant outcomes.
• Participate in peer support communities of practice and working groups.
• Contribute to program improvements through feedback, observations, and lived experience insights.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support operational requirements and organizational priorities, within the scope of the role.

Required Qualifications/Experience

• Lived and living experience of mental health and/or substance use challenges, with a demonstrated understanding of housing related concerns, recovery and reflection.
• Experience providing peer support or working with individuals with lived experience is an asset.
• Valid Class 5 Driver’s License and access to a reliable vehicle with $2M liability insurance.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a clear Police Information Check (with Vulnerable Sector Check) and Intervention Record Check.

Preferred Qualifications/Experience

• Formal Peer Support training or certification.
• Mental Health First Aid, ASIST, or related training.

Core Competencies

• Recovery-Oriented Peer Practice: Uses lived experience intentionally and ethically to support hope, resilience, and self-determined recovery.
• Relationship Building & Engagement: Builds authentic, respectful relationships that foster trust, connection, and belonging.
• Resource Navigation & Community Connection: Supports access to services and community supports that promote independence and wellbeing.
• Cultural Responsiveness & Ethical Practice: Provides inclusive, trauma-informed support that respects diversity, dignity, and choice.
• Accountability & Documentation: Maintains accurate records, follows policies, and engages in reflective practice and continuous learning.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and active listening skills.
• Ability to share lived experience in a purposeful, appropriate, and recovery-oriented way.
• Strong understanding of strengths-based, recovery-oriented, and peer support approaches.
• Ability to set and maintain healthy boundaries.
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in dynamic environments.
• Ability to support practical daily living skills in a respectful and empowering manner.
• Ability to assist with moving items (up to 50 lbs)
• Proficiency with basic computer systems and documentation tools.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Performance in this role is measured across the following core areas. Specific targets and benchmarks will be established in alignment with program and operational goals.

• Participant Engagement & Relationship Building:
  Builds authentic, trust-based relationships that foster engagement, safety, hope, and connection.
• Participant Goal Achievement & Recovery Support:
  Supports participants in progressing toward self-identified goals related to recovery, wellbeing, and housing stability.
• Service Navigation & Community Connection:
  Assists participants in accessing resources and supports that reduce barriers, promote independence, and strengthen community connection.
• Service Delivery & Documentation:
  Provides consistent, responsive peer support while maintaining accurate, timely documentation and follow-up.
• Collaboration & Peer Practice:
  Works collaboratively with internal teams and partners while upholding peer support values, ethical practice, and continuous learning.
• Program Participation & Quality Improvement:
  Contributes to evaluation, feedback, and program development activities to support continuous improvement of peer services.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in a contact centre and/or office environment, with extended periods of sitting and computer use.
• Regular use of technology, including telephony systems, databases, and multiple software platforms, is required.
• The role involves frequent interaction with individuals experiencing stress, crisis, or complex personal situations, requiring emotional resilience and professionalism.
• Ability to assist with moving items (up to 50 lbs) to support with household organization to foster capacity building and independent living.
• Work may be performed on a shift basis, including evenings, weekends, and statutory holidays, in alignment with 24/7 service delivery requirements.
• Occasional participation in meetings, training sessions, or community events may be required.
• Occasional travel is required for meetings, training, and community engagement activities, based on operational needs.