Huddle Peer Supporter

Youth for Christ Canada; Russell; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A Canadian youth support organization is seeking a Huddle Brandon Peer Support Staff for part-time work in Manitoba. The role focuses on providing peer support to youth, facilitating educational sessions, and collaborating with community resources. Candidates should have a high school diploma, direct service experience, and personal experience in mental health or addictions. This position requires a commitment to Youth for Christ's values.

Qualifications

• High school diploma and over one year of direct service experience.
• Willingness to pursue Peer Support Certification.
• Personal experience with mental health/addictions.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one and group peer support.
• Co-facilitate educational sessions on recovery and wellness.
• Manage scheduling and documentation for Huddle Brandon.

Skills

Empathy

Communication

Problem-solving

Time management

Facilitation skills

Education

High school graduation

Human services related coursework

Job description

POSITION TITLE: Huddle Brandon Peer Support Staff

POSITION TYPE: Ministry Staff

REPORTS TO: Huddle Director

Position Description:

The Huddle Brandon Peer Support Staff will work as a part of a service team in Westman’s Integrated Youth Services Hub; a highly collaborative partnership between many health and wellness agencies and organizations in Westman and lead by Westman Youth for Christ (WYFC). Huddle Brandon is intended to be a place where young people can access mental and physical health, addictions, financial, employment and cultural/spiritual supports as well as opportunities to connect with their community and each other through structured peer supported programming and events. The Huddle Brandon’s mission is to help young people (12-29) reach their goals and highest potential.

The Huddle Brandon Peer Support Staff relates to and engages with participants of the organization form a peer perspective using self-awareness of one’s own journey and lived experience to inspire hope, empowerment, and recovery. The Peer Support Staff shares personal experiences related to their own path of wellness, provides emotional and social support, co-facilitates courses, links individuals with Huddle Brandon and community resources, and well as teaches life skills. Peer support is offered as part of a menu of options with the organization and the Huddle Brandon itself but will work as a part of a team.

The Huddle Brandon Peer Support Staff works closely with individual youth/families accessing Huddle Brandon, along with individuals from other community health and wellness agencies as well as members of the Huddle Brandon staff team.

Responsibilities:

MINISTRY DUTIES (60%)

1. Provide one-to-one and group peer support;
2. Support participants in Huddle to develop personalized development plans (PDPs) when requested;
3. Liaise with youth participants and service providers in the Huddle Brandons to support the participants wellness plan;
4. Provide basic service navigation and ensure linkages are made with Huddle Brandon partners and community resources;
5. Provide community outreach which may include facilitating presentations to community partners and youth participant recruitment;
6. Co-facilitate educational sessions on a range of topics related to recovery, health, life skills, and wellness;
7. Support the co-development of course content;
8. Support community engagement and wellness activities;
9. Teach life skills;
10. Participate as a member of the service delivery team;

ADMINISTRATION (20%)

1. Manage the calendar and all scheduling for the Huddle Brandon;
2. Maintain and update documentation and statistical data as prescribed;
3. Ensure all reporting is complete and submitted on time;
4. Adhere to the WYFC Policy Manual;
5. Abide by Health and Safety Requirements and Policies;
6. Assist in the upkeep and cleanliness of the Huddle Brandon and office;
7. Contribute to agency-wide initiatives to advance the mission and ends of the organization;

PARTNER DEVELOPMENT (10%)

1. WYFC staff mobilize our wider community to invest prayer and financial support for the Huddle ministry.
2. Report to and be accountable to the Christian community including communicating with ministry partners regularly (quarterly newsletters; visits & phone calls as appropriate);
3. Participate in Huddle Brandon and Westman YFC fundraising events such as Gala of Hope.

MEETINGS (5%)

1. Meet with supervisor bi-weekly;
2. Attend weekly Huddle Brandon /WYFC meetings as directed and monthly WYFC All-Staff meetings.

SPIRITUAL AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT (5%)

1. Take time for prayer, Bible reading and spiritual disciplines;
2. Ongoing participation in a community of faith;
3. Pray for and with the WYFC Team;
4. Completion of the YFC Canada Credentialing process within 2 years of start date;
5. Attend YFC Regional and National conferences;
6. Participate in training and development courses, conferences and workshops as approved by supervisor.

Qualifications:

1. Applicants must reflect and sign the Youth for Christ Statement of Faith and Community Commitment waivers;
2. This position requires high-school graduation with additional human services related coursework and over one year of direct service experience as a peer supporter, or a comparable combination of education, skills and experience;
3. Peer Support Certification or a willingness to pursue certification is an asset;
4. Personal lived experience with mental health and/or addictions challenges and recovery, as well as a willingness, readiness and ability to share own experiences;
5. Knowledge and understanding of Indigenous populations, the impact of colonization on Canada’s Indigenous peoples, the historical and continuing impact of the residential school system, and traditional Indigenous healing and wellness beliefs, practices, and support agencies;
6. Knowledge of settlement services and the impacts of immigration on newcomer youth;
7. An understanding of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and community services;
8. Experience working with people living with disabilities is an asset;
9. Knowledge of local mental health and addictions system and community services;
10. Empathy, understanding and peer support skills and the ability to maintain confidentiality;
11. Superior engagement and communication skills;
12. Problem-solving, and time management skills;
13. Facilitation skills are an asset;
14. Able to work independently and utilize sound judgment to perform all assigned duties with minimal supervision.
15. Possess a valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and willing to travel (within Brandon).
16. Must have a clear criminal record check and child abuse registry check.

Time Required

This is a part-time position (10 hours per week).