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 Alberta 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.