NEW Contract Opportunity – peer researcher wanted for an exciting local project

Spotlight On Mental Health

Contract opportunity

Call for Applications for Recovery College Peer Researcher

Application deadline: May 25, 2021 12:00pm PDT

Hello everyone,

My name is Tracy Windsor, and I am the interim coordinator for the Recovery College Research Project. I am writing on behalf of our team to inform you of a research opportunity with the project.

We are looking for one (1) Peer Researcher with lived/living experience of mental health and/or substance use conditions.

Contract description: With support and supervision from the research team, the Peer Researcher will participate as a research team member on a research collaboration between Vancouver Coastal Health, Canadian Mental Health Association, the University of British Columbia and Dalhousie University.

The Recovery College Research Project is planning, implementing and evaluating two Recovery College pilot sites — one with Vancouver Coastal Health’s Consumer Initiatives Program and one with the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Vancouver-Fraser and North and West Vancouver’s Peer Navigator Programs. A Recovery College is a unique learning centre where people with lived experience of mental health and/or substance use conditions, peers, family members and mental health professionals use their knowledge and experience to work collaboratively and on equal terms co-develop and co-deliver courses on a range of topics that support well-being and recovery.

The Peer Researchers will:

  • Assist in the planning and implementation of research activities including focus groups, interviews and completing surveys.
  • Attend research team meetings and meetings with the project manager and Peer Advisor.
  • Perform other duties as needed.

Qualifications:

  • Identify as a person with lived/living experience of mental health and/or substance use condition(s)
  • Be able to work cooperatively with members of the research team, mental health program staff, and people who use mental health and substance use services.
  • Proficiency with computer applications (e.g., MS Word; e-mail; and Excel).
  • Ability and willingness to work in a non-traditional work environment as an independent contractor.
  • Prior research and facilitation experience considered an asset for this position

If this sounds like something you want to be a part of, please write a 250–500-word cover letter expressing the following:

  • How has your life been impacted by mental health and substance use?
  • What have you learned from this journey and how has it shaped your perception of others facing mental health and substance use concerns?
  • What would you hope to gain or accomplish by working with the project?
  • Your experience with research, in any capacity (e.g., qualitative research methods).
  • Days and times of availability.

 Our team acknowledges the gaps in engagement from historically marginalized groups and strives to include diverse perspectives in our work. To build a strong and representative workforce, we are seeking candidates who will contribute to a caring and inclusive culture. Members will be selected to ensure representation from regions throughout B.C. and specifically, but not limited to, those who identify as being disadvantaged on any grounds under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including Indigenous Peoples, people of colour, people of all genders and sexualities and people with disabilities.

Duration of contract: four (4) months, with possibility of renewal. 

Pay and hours: $25.00 an hour, up to 40 hours a month (hours vary week to week), including attendance at research team meetings, research training, and meetings with the project mentor. The Peer Researchers will be expected to meet deadlines in submitting progress reports and monthly invoices.

Application procedure: please email your resume and cover letter to Tracy Windsor (tracy.windsor@dal.ca).

Thank you for your interest in working on this exciting project. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Application deadline: May 25, 2021 12:00pm PDT