Peer Support Worker_PT-Contract

LOFT Community Services; Toronto; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A charitable organization seeks a Peer Support Worker in Toronto to assist individuals with mental health and addiction recovery. The role includes facilitating groups, providing one-on-one support, and collaborating with health and social service partners. Candidates must have lived experience and peer training, along with strong interpersonal and communication skills. The position requires evening and weekend availability and offers flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

E-learning program available year-round

Corporate Gym membership rate

Access to corporate discounts via PerkOPolis

Unlimited DEI trainings offered

Qualifications

• Experience/knowledge of mental health/addiction systems required.
• Solid working knowledge of recovery principles is necessary.
• Some experience in peer support counselling is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Accompany clients to appointments in the community.
• Help with goal setting and emotional support.
• Facilitate mental health treatment groups.
• Ensure clients connect with caseworkers.
• Contribute to program development.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Problem solving

Conflict resolution

Proficiency in computer skills

Knowledge of recovery principles

Education

Completion of peer training

Job description

Title of Job: Peer Support Worker

Date: December 24, 2025

Closing Date: January 9, 2025

Location: Toronto, ON - Transitional Aged Youth

Compensation: $50,409 - $59,904 Annually Prorated

Contract Duration: until August 15, 2026

Work Hours: 20 hours per week

Work Type: Onsite

Job ID: 10497608

Existing or New Position: Existing

Who We Are

LOFT Community Services is a unique and dynamic charitable organization that supports people living with complex issues such as mental and physical health challenges, substance use challenges, poverty and homelessness. Serving 20,573 annually and providing 1,856 units of supportive housing last year, LOFT is one of Ontario’s largest mental health service providers of its kind. LOFT is also recognized as a Nonprofit Employer of Choice™ Award (NEOC) recipient.

Job Summary

The Peer Support Worker position is open to those who have lived experience with mental health and/or addiction and have gone through a process of recovery. The peer mentor is responsible to use their lived experience to assist others in the recovery process and to navigate the mental health and addiction systems. This would be accomplished through a variety of activities such as group facilitation, individual support with appointments and structured positive relationship building.

The Peer Support Worker supports the collaboration between LOFT and Strides- Youth Wellness Hub ON (YWHO). The Peer Support Worker role will work in collaboration with the partners at the designated YWHO site (e.g. 1940 Eglinton Ave East), and will also work at the TAY hub. The Peer Support Worker will have a unique role collaborating with the community and other health and social service providers. The peer support worker shall provide 1:1 peer support and help co‑facilitate these groups for youth. The program requires availability to work evenings and Saturdays.

Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario (YWHO) aims to bring integrated low barrier services to youth (12‑25) and their families/caregivers. YWHO is improving Ontario’s mental health and addiction landscape for youth and their families by providing rapid access to mental health and substance use services as well as clear referral pathways to interdisciplinary team and community supports.

What You Will Do

• Accompany clients to various appointments in the community.
• Help with goal setting, problem solving and emotional support.
• Work in collaboration with other program staff and community partners.
• Contribute to program development and implementation.
• Facilitate and co‑facilitate mental health/recovery/treatment groups.
• Have up‑to‑date knowledge of local resources; assist with referrals as needed.
• Help ensure that clients are connecting with caseworkers and caseworkers with clients.
• Support a regular number of clients by meeting in the community.
• Establish a supportive relationship, always.
• Guide clients to make choices that promote safety, wellness and recovery.
• Be a positive role model and encouragement of others in the recovery process.
• Assist with drop‑in programs at various city locations.
• Attend training sessions and group meetings.
• Have regular supervision with director or senior staff.
• Prepare and dismantle group, including light cleaning and trash removal.
• Positively contribute to the TAY program by providing back‑up support for other staff and by engaging in collaborative team activities.

What You Bring

• Completion of peer training.
• Experience/knowledge of mental health/addictions systems.
• Solid working knowledge of recovery principles.
• Knowledge of local community mental health services including formal and informal supports.
• Some experience in peer support counselling.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong ability to work independently and on a team.
• Enthusiastic problem solver, positive conflict resolution and goal setting practices.
• Proficient computer skills.
• Flexible availability: weekend work and some evenings may be required with advanced notice.
• Knowledge/experience with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an asset.

Work Environment

• Walk up and down stairs, physically able to assist client with daily living activities, 10%-20% travel to different locations with transit and/or own vehicle, outdoor travel, lifting objects up to 50 lbs.

What We Offer

• E‑learning program available all year round.
• Starting vacation time above minimum standard.
• Corporate Gym membership rate with GoodLife Fitness.
• Access to PerkOPolis, a comprehensive corporate discount program.
• Access to unlimited DEI trainings through partnership with Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

LOFT Community Services is a values‑driven organization with a deep belief that each person has the ability to grow and change. We value compassion, collaboration, and community delivered with dignity, innovation, and excellence. LOFT’s vision is that together, we can all live successfully in our community. Our client population reflects Ontario’s diverse community and it is LOFT’s goal to build a workforce who also reflects that diversity. LOFT believes there are many ways to develop skills and build experience and expertise. So even if you don’t “tick all the boxes” but think you’d thrive in this role, you are encouraged to apply.

Note

• A satisfactory vulnerable sector check (VSC) is also required.
• This posting provides only a summary of the responsibilities and requirements for the position.

Thanks for visiting our Career Page. Please review our open positions and apply to the positions that match your qualifications.

LOFT Community Services is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment and dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live and serve. LOFT is committed to making employment opportunities accessible in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. Requested accommodation will be provided in all parts of the application and hiring process by contacting [e-mail] or [phone].