NCAT Peer Coordinator- Casual

AVI Health & Community Services (AVI)  is a multi-disciplinary community-based organization, providing HIV, hepatitis C and harm reduction services out of 5 locations across Vancouver Island. AVI provides services to people living with HIV and hepatitis C and harm reduction clients. We work within a social justice and health promotion framework – ensuring equity and access to services for all – and from a harm reduction perspective, understanding that clients are the best sources of knowledge regarding the services and supports they need.

At the core of what we do is our ability, and commitment to, creating meaningful connections. between clients and staff, between peers, between staff members, between organizations, between communities, and between funders and impactful programs. AVI provides comprehensive, accessible and effective education, prevention, care, treatment and support services to residents of Vancouver Island with offices in Victoria, the Westshore, Nanaimo, the Comox Valley and Campbell River.

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Join our supportive, dedicated and client-centred team in promoting the health, dignity and well-being of all people affected by HIV, HCV and substance use by delivering sex-positive and harm reduction-based education, prevention and/or support services.

About the Nanaimo Community Action Team (CAT)
The Nanaimo Community Action Team (CAT) is a multi-sector, community-led table that brings together people with lived and living experience, service providers, Indigenous partners, and community stakeholders to coordinate local action in response to the drug poisoning crisis. The CAT aligns with the mandate of the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions’ Overdose Emergency Response Centre (OERC).

Position Summary
The Peer Coordinator is a contract role grounded in lived and/or living experience of substance use and the toxic drug supply. The role supports peer leadership, engagement, and harm reduction activities connected to the work of the Nanaimo CAT. The Peer Coordinator builds trusted relationships, elevates peer perspectives, and supports community-led responses to reduce drug toxicity harms.

Key Responsibilities
Peer Engagement & Community Outreach

Build and maintain meaningful, trust-based relationships with people impacted by the toxic drug supply

Conduct outreach to identify emerging needs and share resources

Support inclusive engagement processes that elevate lived and living experience voices

Promote culturally safe, peer-led, and stigma-free approaches

Support to the Community Action Team

Participate in monthly CAT meetings and contribute peer-informed perspectives

Coordinate and support Peer Advisory meetings, or other Peer Meetings to support the collaboration of peer work within the Nanaimo CAT

Manage peer compensation through stipends and maintain records

Support peer participation in CAT initiatives, projects, and community events

Harm Reduction & Drug Toxicity Response

Support overdose prevention and harm reduction activities

Share accurate information on drug toxicity risks and services

Assist with harm reduction supply distribution and public education

Support stigma reduction efforts

Documentation & Reporting

Maintain documentation of peer engagement activities

Contribute to reporting and evaluation requirements

Identify and share advocacy priorities emerging from peer engagement

Maintain records of payments, receipts stipends, and other expenses

Complete and submit regular timesheets

Qualifications & Experience

Lived or living experience related to substance use and/or the toxic drug crisis (strongly preferred)

Experience in peer support, harm reduction outreach, or community-based work

Knowledge of harm reduction, trauma-informed practice, and equity-based approaches

Strong communication and relationship‑building skills

Ability to work collaboratively with diverse partners

Organizational skills and ability to manage multiple responsibilities

No formal education requirements; lived and living experience is recognized as essential

Working Conditions

Community-based role with outreach in diverse environments

Flexible schedule, including some evenings or weekends

Exposure to…