Posted date: August 20, 2026
Last Updated: September 1, 2026
Peer Facilitator for Chronic Pain Workshops
Seeking adults with strong facilitator skills wishing to train to facilitate small group workshops in the community on a variety of health topics including managing chronic pain conditions. Volunteer Facilitators work as a pair to support each other to deliver Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Pain Self-Management Program workshops in various community settings.
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Skills Requested
Relevant Tags
- Allows for a Flexible Schedule
Positions Available
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Opportunity Start Date:
January 19, 2027
Opportunity End Date:
March 4, 2027
Typical Session Frequency
This Opportunity typically takes place Weekly.
Typical Session Duration
Each session typically takes 2-4 hours.
Total Opportunity Duration
The expected total duration is Ongoing / Indefinite.
Est. Total Hours
Application Process
You may apply online using our fillable application to start the process: www.ceselfmanagement.ca/becomeavolunteer
All interested applicants that meet the listed criteria will be contacted by the Coordinator to arrange an interview. We aim to contact everyone within two weeks.
You may also contact the Coordinator directly by email or phone to discuss this opportunity prior to submitting an application.
Point of Contact
Melissa McNamara
Coordinator, Self-Management Program Central East
Application Requirements
- Separate Application Form
Other Required Documents
- Police Record Check
- Vulnerable Sector Check
Additional Qualifications / Experience
Strong Facilitation Skills and Empathy
This position requires that the individual must be able to deliver a scripted program to a group of 6 – 14 people living with chronic pain conditions. This means that the content of the script must be delivered in a way that is paraphrased and engaging to the group. Peer Facilitator must also be kind, empathetic and non-judgmental. Our role is to provide a health education (scripted) and facilitate the group to find ways that they can support healthy behaviour change.
Self-Management Resource Centre Certification
Self-Management Resource Centre Certification (Living a Healthy Life With Chronic Pain) is gained by fully attending this training opportunity and passing the in-class curriculum. Once in-class training is complete a Coordinator will help to schedule your first workshop in the community and support/mentor you by co-facilitating with you. This is to ensure that all new Peer Facilitators will be fully supported and confident leading the workshop.
Lived Experience
As this is a peer led program, preference is given to candidates who have lived experience with a chronic pain condition. This includes living with chronic pain or caring for someone with a chronic pain condition.
Training Commitment
The Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Pain training is free to the trainee; however, it requires a commitment of 13 afternoons. All trainees must attend all 13 sessions to qualify for certification and to volunteer with Self-Management Program Central East. This training provides the trainee with both experience as a workshop participant and as a Peer Facilitator. The training is delivered virtually using the Zoom platform (both audio and camera are mandatory). We make all efforts to support those individuals new to Zoom. Please reach out to Melissa for support if needed or have questions about this training: 365-885-3296
Workshop Commitment
Once training is complete, certification is obtained once a workshop series has been delivered. Each Living a Healthy Life With Chronic Pain workshop series runs once a week for approximately 2.5 hours for six consecutive weeks. Peer Facilitators must be able to commit to at least one 6-week series annually to remain certified. Workshops can be delivered virtually using Zoom or in person at various venues in the community. Examples of venues include: Churches, Community Centres, Libraries, Retirement Residences. In person workshops require the volunteer arrives at the venue 30 minutes prior to the start time to help set up and greet people as they arrive and to stay 15 – 30 minutes to help wrap up and answer any participant questions after the workshop ends.
Co-Facilitate
Each 6 week workshop is led by two Volunteer Peer Facilitators. You will need to work with your co-facilitator to divide the curriculum and assign other workshop related duties. We do our best to match facilitators well.
Interview
An interview is required with the Self-Management Coordinator prior to attending the training. This interview can be done virtually by Zoom or in person. If in person, the Coordinator will meet you in your community. This will give you a chance to learn more about the program.
Specific Tasks / Responsibilities
Core Volunteer Responsibilities
Co-lead workshops: Deliver structured 2.5-hour weekly sessions in-person or online alongside a second trained facilitator.
Facilitate action plans: Guide participants in setting realistic personal goals, brainstorming solutions, and tracking progress.
When appropriate, briefly share experiences: Use personal or professional insights to relate to participant challenges and foster a supportive environment.
Maintain confidentiality: Keep all participant information and sensitive discussions strictly private. Annually all volunteers will receive training on applicable legislation for privacy and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
Communicate effectively: Engage diverse group members and handle sensitive topics with care and patience. Strong public speaking and facilitation skills are required.
Goals & Objectives
The Self-Management Program Central East aims to empower adults living with ongoing health conditions, chronic pain, or diabetes—along with their caregivers—by building the confidence, knowledge, and practical skills needed to take charge of their daily health and well-being.
Key Objectives:
Action Planning: Teach participants how to set realistic personal goals and build step-by-step action plans.
Symptom Management: Provide tips and tools for managing chronic pain, fatigue, difficult emotions, and stress.
Healthy Lifestyle Promotion: Support sustainable changes regarding diet, physical activity, and proper medication use.
Peer Support: Connect community members in free, non-clinical, workshop settings to share lived experiences and coping strategies.
Volunteer Benefits
Honorarium and Mileage Reimbursement
In addition to the benefit of connecting with others in your community and helping others to be more healthy, once trained and certified, volunteer facilitators will receive an honorarium of $30 per workshop session and $0.40/km mileage reimbursement for travel to and from the workshop location.
Note: Trainees will not receive an honorarium for attending the training.
Requirements & Tasks
Impact & Benefits
Contact & Apply
Additional Qualifications / Experience
Strong Facilitation Skills and Empathy
This position requires that the individual must be able to deliver a scripted program to a group of 6 – 14 people living with chronic pain conditions. This means that the content of the script must be delivered in a way that is paraphrased and engaging to the group. Peer Facilitator must also be kind, empathetic and non-judgmental. Our role is to provide a health education (scripted) and facilitate the group to find ways that they can support healthy behaviour change.
Self-Management Resource Centre Certification
Self-Management Resource Centre Certification (Living a Healthy Life With Chronic Pain) is gained by fully attending this training opportunity and passing the in-class curriculum. Once in-class training is complete a Coordinator will help to schedule your first workshop in the community and support/mentor you by co-facilitating with you. This is to ensure that all new Peer Facilitators will be fully supported and confident leading the workshop.
Lived Experience
As this is a peer led program, preference is given to candidates who have lived experience with a chronic pain condition. This includes living with chronic pain or caring for someone with a chronic pain condition.
Training Commitment
The Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Pain training is free to the trainee; however, it requires a commitment of 13 afternoons. All trainees must attend all 13 sessions to qualify for certification and to volunteer with Self-Management Program Central East. This training provides the trainee with both experience as a workshop participant and as a Peer Facilitator. The training is delivered virtually using the Zoom platform (both audio and camera are mandatory). We make all efforts to support those individuals new to Zoom. Please reach out to Melissa for support if needed or have questions about this training: 365-885-3296
Workshop Commitment
Once training is complete, certification is obtained once a workshop series has been delivered. Each Living a Healthy Life With Chronic Pain workshop series runs once a week for approximately 2.5 hours for six consecutive weeks. Peer Facilitators must be able to commit to at least one 6-week series annually to remain certified. Workshops can be delivered virtually using Zoom or in person at various venues in the community. Examples of venues include: Churches, Community Centres, Libraries, Retirement Residences. In person workshops require the volunteer arrives at the venue 30 minutes prior to the start time to help set up and greet people as they arrive and to stay 15 – 30 minutes to help wrap up and answer any participant questions after the workshop ends.
Co-Facilitate
Each 6 week workshop is led by two Volunteer Peer Facilitators. You will need to work with your co-facilitator to divide the curriculum and assign other workshop related duties. We do our best to match facilitators well.
Interview
An interview is required with the Self-Management Coordinator prior to attending the training. This interview can be done virtually by Zoom or in person. If in person, the Coordinator will meet you in your community. This will give you a chance to learn more about the program.
Specific Tasks / Responsibilities
Core Volunteer Responsibilities
Co-lead workshops: Deliver structured 2.5-hour weekly sessions in-person or online alongside a second trained facilitator.
Facilitate action plans: Guide participants in setting realistic personal goals, brainstorming solutions, and tracking progress.
When appropriate, briefly share experiences: Use personal or professional insights to relate to participant challenges and foster a supportive environment.
Maintain confidentiality: Keep all participant information and sensitive discussions strictly private. Annually all volunteers will receive training on applicable legislation for privacy and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
Communicate effectively: Engage diverse group members and handle sensitive topics with care and patience. Strong public speaking and facilitation skills are required.