Youth Peer Support Worker

Tsleil-Waututh Nation; North Vancouver; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Indigenous community is seeking a Youth Peer Support Worker to strengthen resilience and empowerment among its youth. This role involves providing peer support through culturally appropriate programs, particularly focusing on mental health and addiction issues. Ideal candidates will have lived experience, relevant training, and the ability to work collaboratively to enhance community wellness.

Qualifications

• Experience with First Nations health services preferred.
• Lived experience in recovery from mental illness or substance use.
• Successful completion of Criminal Record Check with vulnerable populations.

Responsibilities

• Support community members with mental wellness plans.
• Establish group and one-to-one peer support services.
• Educate the community on peer support and harm reduction.

Skills

Cultural Competence

Mental Health Awareness

Peer Support Knowledge

Communication

Organizational Skills

Education

Completion or eligibility for peer support training program

Background in First Nations health and human services

Minimum of 2 years related experience

Job description

The Youth Peer Support Worker role supports the Tsleil-Waututh Nation community to build on strengths to create resilience and empowerment for its members. The Youth PSW works as part of an interdisciplinary health and wellness team, utilizing knowledge gained from lived experience of mental health and/or substance use in supporting the Nation’s peer support services. This role is responsible for providing individual and group peer support in TWN resulting in the delivery of culturally appropriate, strengths-based services. Specifically, but not limited to the We Are All Sacred & Youth Healing Council programs.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Works as part of the Mental Wellness Team’s circle of care model in supporting community members with wrap-around services, including creating wellness plans for members.
• Supports the creation and establishment of group and one-to-one peer support services, implementing culturally appropriate programs based on the needs of the community.
• Coordinates and administrates the youth peer support program under the guidance of the Peer Support Lead and Mental Wellness Manager.
• Develops relationships with community members based on respect; and assists clients and their support networks with locating appropriate external resources.
• Provides education within the community to build knowledge and capacity regarding peer support and harm reduction; plans and delivers information sessions, including staff in-services, community education sessions, and committee/network involvement.
• Acts as a peer-representative and shares own consumer knowledge to ensure the program continues to be shaped from a lived experience perspective.
• Tracks program expenditures and maintains clear records of peer programs.
• Participates in professional development and training opportunities.
• Participates in team meetings providing input and acting as an advocate for the goals and objectives of the peer support program.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Some background and applied experience working within a First Nations health and human services organization.
• Lived experience with mental illness/substance use and recovery, plus completion of / eligible for completion of a recognized peer support training program.
• Minimum of 2 years related experience, preferably in peer support working with individuals with mental health or addiction issues is desirable.
• Successful completion of Criminal Record Check with vulnerable populations

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse First Nations populations with Mental Health and Substance Use related issues and to recognize and respond appropriately to the needs of community members.
• Knowledge of peer-run, harm reduction programs.
• Knowledge of Mental Health and Substance Use, harm reduction, recovery principles and treatment.
• Knowledge of issues youth face in First Nations communities, and confidence in youth leadership and mentorship.
• Demonstrated knowledge of mental health resources and community youth services that can be recommended to community members.
• Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, facilitate and monitor program progress.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a member of the mental wellness team and the peer support field.
• Basic computer literacy to operate word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, database, Internet and e-mail software.
• Values and recognizes diversity among First Nation, Inuit and Metis communities including differently abled and LGBTQ2S+ populations
• Demonstrated knowledge of Canadian colonial impacts on Indigenous people in social and health contexts.
• Knowledge and appreciation of the unique history, cultures, and rights of Indigenous Peoples in Canada is required.

If this role interests you, please apply here:

or send your Resume and Cover Letter to [e-mail]

We appreciate everyone’s interest in the role, however only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Hours of operation

Monday – Friday: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Offices are closed on holidays