Peers Victoria is grassroots agency that has been working with, and for, Victoria sex workers since 1995. Through direct service delivery and partnerships, Peers provides an array of outreach, harm reduction, group education and other support services. We maintain a welcoming and accessible service environment that promotes empowerment of current and former sex workers. 

In response to COVID19, the overdose crisis, and the decampment of homeless camps in Victoria, The City of Victoria and BC Housing partnered to develop a number of sheltering locations and low barrier housing sites (“Sites”). Some of these Sites are permanent, and others temporary. Island Health has provided funding for on-site health services, including harm reduction and overdose prevention, primary care, addictions medicine, and peer support services.   

 Experience and evidence have demonstrated that an in-reach model for harm reduction services, utilizing peer staff, resident peers, and allied health staff, is effective at reducing risks for individuals choosing to use alone in their homes.  This “Housing Overdose Prevention and Peer Services” model (“HOPPS” model) is a model that is not solely dependent on a fixed space, rather, it also offers a range of overdose prevention options, including episodic in person, virtual, and by telephone witnessing.   

 With funding from Island Health, Peers Victoria operates three (3) HOPPS Teams in supportive housing locations. It is expected that the HOPPS Teams will continue to evolve given the need to engage in a continuous quality improvement process to ensure these services are provided in a way that minimizes harms related to substance use. As some Sites are temporary, the site assignments and hours of service may change in conversation with the funder, housing operator and other stakeholders.

Hours of work: The position is a minimum of 28 hours per week and up to 35 hours per week.    

Wage: The wage for this position is $32 per hour.  Benefits are available after 3 months of employment for employees who work 22 hours per week or more in a regular contract. 

Job description: Site Lead