Description
The Department of Emergency Medicine in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a Peer Support Advisor . This Fixed Term Recurring Part-time position is for approximately 8 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.
The Peer Support Advisor will be primarily responsible for providing the Principal Investigator and research team with a perspective from both someone who is experienced in delivering peer support and also has lived experience with addictions to inform ongoing research.
Reporting to the Principal Investigator.
Recurring Part-time employees are hourly employees engaged to perform work on an irregular schedule.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
- Actively participate in research meetings, providing valuable insights from a person with lived experience and who has worked in a peer support role
- Collaborate with researchers to develop research questions, study designs, and methodologies that are tailored to people who use substances
- Serve as an advisor on research projects, offering guidance on patient needs, preferences, and priorities
- Review and provide feedback on research materials, including consent forms, surveys, and procedures
- Advocate for patient interests and ensure that patient voices are heard and respected throughout the research process
- Build relationships with staff on own team and department
Qualifications / Requirements
- Completion of grade 12 education or equivalent. A certificate, diploma or degree is an asset
- Lived experience with addiction(s) (must identify in cover letter)
- At least 3 years of experience working in a peer support worker role
- Being certified by the Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation (CACCF) as a Peer Support Specialist is a strong asset
- Experience working with diverse and marginalized populations (work, practicum or volunteer) is an asset
- Experience working with AHS (or affiliated agencies) in addiction services (e.g., RAAM) is a strong asset
- Completion of a peer support training program is an asset
- Demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills
- Demonstrate knowledge of systemic issues, such as poverty and stigma
- Have willingness to work as part of a research team
- Have a genuine interest in contributing to research that can improve patient outcomes with peer support programs. Experience in being a part of research projects is an asset
- Demonstrate self-awareness and self-reflection to support working in a respectful manner alongside other team members in a collaborative manner to make and maintain relationships
Application Deadline: July 11, 2025
We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.
This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Specialist/Advisor Job Family, Phase 1.
For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.
About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.
As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments (equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).
Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.
We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
