Youth Peer Support Worker

Vancouver Coastal Health; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Training & leadership development

Wellness supports

Awards & recognition

Staff discounts

Job summary

Vancouver Coastal Health in North Vancouver, BC, seeks a Youth Peer Support Worker to provide non-clinical, peer-based supports to youth with mental health or substance use challenges, in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team.

The role includes leading peer groups and information sessions, helping navigate services, and applying lived experience to support recovery. Requires Grade 12, a recognized Peer Support Training Program, and two years of related experience.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 is required.
• Completion of a recognized Peer Support Training Program.
• Two years' related experience in a peer support role or equivalent.
• Lived experience with recovery from mental health and substance use services.

Skills

Lived experience

Peer support knowledge

Strong communication

Group facilitation

Education

Grade 12

Peer Support Training Program

Job description

Come work as a Youth Peer Support Worker (Employment) with Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) in North Vancouver, BC!

Within the context of a client and family-centered recovery model and in accordance with established vision and values of the organization, the Youth Peer Support Worker is part of an interdisciplinary team providing online and in person peer support services to youth and/or those who have experienced mental health or substance use challenges. Provides a range of non-clinical, peer-based services to youth through shared living/lived experience including assisting in the navigation of the mental health/substance use system while providing individualized peer-based practical, emotional and social supports. Works alongside Clinicians to deliver services. Facilitates peer-based groups, conducts peer information sessions and delivers services in alignment with Foundry’s Service Model.

The hours of work including days off and work area may be subject to change consistent with operational requirements and the provision of the Collective Agreement and applicable statutes. Successful applicants may be required to complete a Criminal Records Review Check.

As per Ministry of Health policy, all health care workers working in publicly-funded health care facilities are required to report their past receipt of certain vaccines or history of certain infections. Collecting these records will allow for offering of any missing vaccines, and for appropriate actions to be taken in the event of any future exposure to a communicable disease or during outbreaks. For all new hires and appointments to Vancouver Coastal Health, you will be asked to provide this information as part of the onboarding process.

WHY JOIN VANCOUVER COASTAL HEALTH?

VCH is a world class innovator in medical care, research and teaching, delivering service to more than one million BC residents. At VCH, we embrace thinking boldly, taking smart risks, and "going first" when we believe it will lead to the best possible outcomes for patients and their families. We invite you to join us in creating healthy lives in healthy communities by showcasing our passion for care, connection to the communities we serve and our culture of teamwork that makes VCH a great place to work.

• Comprehensive health benefits package, including MSP, extended health and dental and municipal pension plan
• Grow your career with employer-paid training and leadership development opportunities
• Wellness supports, including counselling, critical incident and innovative wellness services are available to employees and their immediate families
• Award-winning recognition programs to honour staff, medical staff and volunteers
• Access to exclusive discount offers and deals for VCH staff

At Vancouver Coastal Health, our vision of healthy lives in healthy communities inspires us and our values and pillars guide us. We support equitable practices, diverse teams and inclusive environments, which are vital to creating welcoming spaces where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and feel supported. We encourage applications from equity-deserving communities, including Indigenous Peoples and members of racialized groups, people with disabilities and people of all gender identities and expressions and sexual orientation.

Vancouver Coastal Health is proud to be recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers, BC’s Top Employers, Canada’s Best Diversity Employers and Canada’s Top Employers for Young People in 2026.

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted for this posting.

Thank you for your interest in Vancouver Coastal Health.

Education & Experience

• Grade 12.
• Completion of a recognized Peer Support Training Program.
• Two (2) years' recent related experience in a peer support role, or an equivalent combination of education, training and peer support experience.
• Lived experience with recovery from a mental illness and as a recipient of mental health and substance use services including peer knowledge of the designated service user population in the applicable program area or department.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to use one's lived experience to promote positive connections with youth.
• Demonstrated knowledge of mental health and substance use resources and community services.
• Demonstrated ability in using a strength-based approach in sharing challenges and co-creating solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations, recognize and respond appropriately to the needs of youth.
• Knowledge of harm reduction principles and activities.
• Ability to develop, organize, coordinate, deliver, and evaluate individual and group activities.
• Ability to work independently and in cooperation with others.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to organize and prioritize.
• Ability to observe and recognize changes in the client.
• Ability to establish and maintain rapport with clients.
• Home management skills.
• Ability to instruct.
• Ability to analyze and resolve problems.
• Conflict resolution and crisis intervention skills.
• Ability to operate related equipment.
• Physical ability to carry out the work of the position.