Youth Peer Support Worker

Youth Peer Support Worker – Regional Youth Peer Support Program

The Youth Peer Support Worker (YPSW) provides recovery-oriented, youth-centered peer support to youth 13-24 years accessing mental health and substance use services. Drawing from lived and living experience, the YPSW builds authentic and strengths-based relationships that foster hope, resilience, self-determination, and wellbeing.

Working within a referral-based model, the YPSW supports youth through one-to-one and group-based peer support, system navigation, mentorship, and connection to community resources. This role works collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams and community partners while upholding trauma-informed, culturally safe, anti-oppressive, and harm reduction practices.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

· Provide one-to-one peer support to youth and young adults through emotional support, encouragement, goal setting, and practical problem solving.

· Build trusting, respectful, and youth-centered relationships that promote self-determination and independence.

· Support youth in navigating mental health, substance use, and community-based services and resources.

· Assist youth in developing self-advocacy skills and confidence in accessing services and supports.

· Facilitate group workshops and peer-based activities focused on wellness, recovery, skill building, and social connection.

· Use lived and living experience intentionally and ethically to promote hope, normalize experiences, and reduce isolation.

· Support youth in identifying strengths, protective factors, cultural connections, and meaningful goals.

· Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and contribute lived-experience-informed perspectives to service planning.

· Maintain accurate and timely documentation, service records, and activity reporting in accordance with organizational standards.

· Identify and escalate safety concerns, critical incidents, or changes in presentation according to established protocols.

· Maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality, and ethical practice in all aspects of peer support work.

· Participate in ongoing training, reflective practice, supervision, and professional development opportunities.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and Experience

· Completion of a two-year diploma in a related human or social services field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and lived/living experience.

· Minimum one (1) year of experience in peer support, mental health, and/or substance use programming.

· Lived and living experience with mental health and/or substance use challenges, with the ability to use this experience appropriately within a peer support role.

Working Conditions:

· Regular travel throughout the assigned Fraser Health region is required.

· Work may take place in community, clinical, and partner organization settings.

· Flexible scheduling, including occasional evenings, may be required based on program needs.

Additional Requirements:

· Criminal Record Check is required.

· Current First Aid and CPR Certificate.

· Valid and unrestricted Class 5 BC Driver’s License with access to a safe and reliable vehicle.

· Acceptable Driver’s Abstract (provided annually).

· Position requires Union Membership.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

· Demonstrated understanding of peer support values, ethics, and recovery-oriented practice.

· Strong interpersonal, relationship-building, and active listening skills.

· Ability to engage youth using strengths-based, trauma-informed, and youth-centered approaches.

· Knowledge of mental health, substance use, harm reduction, and community support systems.

· Ability to support youth with system navigation and self-advocacy.

· Strong facilitation skills for group-based workshops and activities.

· Ability to work collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams and community partnerships.

· Excellent organizational, time management, and documentation skills.

· Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.

· Demonstrated cultural humility, inclusivity, and anti-oppressive practice.

· Ability to work independently and adapt to changing priorities.

· Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic documentation systems.

Shift/Schedule/Hours per week: Regular PT – 2 positions

Position 1 (Abbotsford Foundry): 21 hours a week; Monday and Tuesday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Wednesday 11:00 am - 7:00 pm

Position 2 (Abbotsford Foundry): 14 hours a week; Wednesday 11:00 am – 7:00 pm, Thursday 9:00 – 5:00 pm

Expected Start Date: ASAP

Wage/Salary: starting at $29.22/hour

Grid Level: 11

Application Deadline: This position will remain open until filled

We are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the communities we proudly serve, while encompassing the principles of equity, inclusion and diversity. We strongly encourage applications from people of colour, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, people of all gender expressions and sexual orientations including queer, trans, and two-spirit people. In our words and actions, we recognize the challenges for those facing inequalities, while acknowledging our privilege, as we continuously strive to remove bias and reduce barriers that individuals may experience in the hiring and job-seeking process. We invite feedback from all applications who apply for roles within the Agency.