Peer Housing Navigator

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 way finding, 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.
• 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.
• Collaborate with internal teams, service providers, and community partners to support participant outcomes.
• Participate in peer support communities of…