Peer Support Provider

The Peer Support Provider will play a critical role in supporting patients and their families by navigating the challenges of sickle cell disease, or other red blood cell conditions such as Thalassemia, and compiling resources to apply throughout their unique healthcare journey. This role is ideal for someone with lived experience who can provide empathetic listening, non-judgmental support, system navigation and connections to community resources. 
This role works closely with Hemoglobinopathy Social Worker, team and healthcare providers as part of day to day operations, as well as community organizations to help families feel supported, understood, and connected throughout their healthcare journey. 

• High school diploma required
• University of college degree or diploma in social sciences or related field an asset
• Certificate in Peer Support Training from a recognized training provider or relevant work experience with demonstrated ability and understanding of core essentials of peer support provision preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience with equity deserving communities and/or combination of lived experience required
• Peer support experience preferred
• Personal or family experience with sickle cell disease
• Demonstrated knowledge and ability to apply the core values and principles of peer support practices including but not limited to hope and recovery, self-determination, empathetic listening, mutual relationships, dignity, respect, trust and rapport, social inclusion, health and wellness and personal growth
• Demonstrated ability to role model strong self-care and self-management strategies in recognition of the need for health, personal growth and resiliency in peer support work
• Familiarity and understanding of sickle cell disease, and other red blood cell diseases such as Thalassemia, and its related community resources and services 
• Demonstrated comfort in navigating the hospital system
• Ability to go to community sites to conduct home visits
• Strong empathetic listening skills with the ability to build trust and rapport with patients and families
• Sensitivity to diverse cultural backgrounds
• Proficiency in additional languages is strongly preferred
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to liaise with families, hospital staff, and community organizations
• Ability to plan and facilitate events and group activities
• Strong time management and organizational skills to balance multiple responsibilities effectively
• Ability to work collaboratively with Social Work, healthcare teams, and external community partners
• Openness to participating in quality improvement projects and adapting practices based on feedback
• Familiarity with community resources for sickle cell disease and related services
• Passion for advocating for families affected by SCD and improving their healthcare experience
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively