Peer Support Worker

About Ballad Group

Ballad is seeking an Independent Contractor Peer Support Worker with lived experience to deliver structured one-on-one coaching and peer group conversations with participants in the Red Deer Workforce Employment Readiness and Connections Program (WERC).

Ballad Group is a purpose-driven organization that provides employment services across Alberta for unemployed and underemployed Albertans facing multiple barriers to employment. Our Albert a WERC programs alone help over 1,000 people each year find meaningful work, build industry-responsive skills, and empower economic resilience. These WERC programs include simulated worksites that provide hands-on pre-trades training in construction, maintenance, agriculture, and hospitality designed to reflect real job expectations. We have 7 simulated worksites in High Level, Grande Prairie, Whitecourt, Red Deer, Edmonton, Brooks, and Calgary.

Ballad delivers training programs for a variety of organizations, Indigenous Communities and on behalf of the Ministry of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration, and Ministry of Assisted Living and Social Services.

This contract position is in-person up to 15 hours per week at our Red Deer Training Centre.

Ballad Group's hours of operations are 8:30 - 4:30 pm Monday - Friday.

Key Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Program Supervisor to deliver structured one-on-one and group Peer Support services.
• Build and maintain strong therapeutic alliances through trust, consistency, collaboration, empathy, and mutual goal setting.
• Apply Trauma-Informed Care principles in every interaction by prioritizing emotional safety, choice, pacing, transparency, and empowerment.
• Maintain clear boundaries and role clarity while modelling healthy communication, self-regulation strategies, and strengths-based engagement.
• Support culturally safe, inclusive, and accessible services for diverse populations.
• Document Peer Support activities and outcomes, ensuring records are timely, accurate, and respectful.

Qualifications

• A High School Diploma is required, and completion of a recognized peer support training program is considered an asset.
• A minimum of one year in the employment services or community resource coordination field in a paid or volunteer capacity.
• Ability to share lived experience in a professional, ethical, and understanding of trauma-informed practices and therapeutic alliance approaches.
• Training in mentorship, coaching, peer support or community engagement, with an emphasis on Trauma-Informed and culturally safe practices.
• Strong communication, active listening, and boundary-setting skills.
• Willingness to engage in training on trauma-informed care, confidentiality, cultural safety, and peer ethics.
• ​​Lived experience including personal insight into barriers such as disability, mental health, addictions, unemployment, or justice involvement.
• Peer Support training or certification is considered an asset.
• Willingness to obtain a Vulnerable Sector Check, where required.