Youth Peer Support Worker (2026-107)

Interior Community Services; Kamloops; On-site; CAD 37,000 - 43,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Extended Health Care Benefits

Annual vacation 3 weeks after one year

1 day per month sick leave

Training & professional development

Municipal Pension Plan (MPP)

Internal candidate priority

Job summary

Interior Community Services in Kamloops, BC, is seeking a Youth Peer Support Worker to join Foundry Kamloops on a part-time basis (20 hours/week). You will draw on lived experience to support youth aged 12–24, providing one-to-one and group peer support, planning workshops, and connecting youth with community resources.

The role requires Grade 12 and a related certificate, plus six months of youth-focused experience. It offers extensive benefits, training, and paid time off.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 plus a certificate in a related social service or recreation field.
• Lived experience with mental health, substance use, or related supports as a youth, to inspire hope and recovery.
• Six months of experience in youth leadership, community programs, or peer support.
• Equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered.
• Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check completed.
• Willingness to complete required organizational training at no cost (First Aid with CPR-C, Mandt, SafeTALK, Privacy & Information Sharing, Abuse and Neglect Awareness, Anti-Bullying, Naloxone, Foundry training).
• Union membership required (1.85% dues).

Responsibilities

• Build supportive, peer-based relationships with youth through empathy, listening and sharing lived experience.
• Provide one-to-one and group peer support promoting hope, resilience and growth.
• Plan and facilitate peer support groups, workshops and wellness activities.
• Help youth identify strengths, set goals and connect with community resources.
• Support youth through challenging situations using calm, respectful, strength-based approaches.
• Promote harm reduction, autonomy and recovery-oriented practice.
• Collaborate with the Foundry team to provide coordinated, youth-centred care.
• Maintain accurate documentation and a safe program environment.

Skills

Active listening

Relationship-building

Communication

Trauma-informed care

Harm reduction

Culturally safe practice

Confidentiality

Independent & collaborative work

Microsoft Office

Education

Grade 12 plus related certificate

Equivalent education/training/experience

Job description

Youth Services Part Time Kamloops, BC $27.11 - $31.04 CAD per hour

• Grade 12 plus a certificate in a related social service or recreation field.
• Lived experience accessing mental health, substance use, or related supports as a young person, with the ability and willingness to use that experience to inspire hope and recovery.
• Six (6) months of experience working or volunteering in youth leadership, community programs, or peer support.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.
• Successful completion of a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check.
• Willingness to complete required organizational training provided at no cost, including Emergency First Aid with CPR-C, Mandt (RCT), SafeTALK, Privacy and Information Sharing, Abuse and Neglect Awareness, Anti-Bullying and Harassment, Naloxone, and Foundry-specific training. Existing certifications are considered an asset.
• Union membership required (1.85% dues)

BENEFITS

• Compensation: $27.11-$31.04 (Grid 9 as per collective agreement)
• Extended Health Care Benefits including Dental, Vision, Paramedical Services, Life Insurance, Employee & Family Assistance Program, and more upon completion of the probationary period.
• Annual vacation starting at three (3) weeks after one year, increasing with seniority.
• One (1) day per month sick leave accrual.
• Stat Holiday Bank accrued at 5%, to be used on unworked stat days
• Wage increases with every 2,000 hours of seniority, up to Step 4.
• Priority consideration as an internal candidate for future job opportunities.
• Community involvement and employee wellbeing activities.
• Fully paid training and professional development opportunities.
• Interior Community Services is a Municipal Pension Plan (MPP) employer. Part-time employees' entitlement to MPP is determined based on the length of service and accrued wages. If the candidate is already a contributing member, then enrollment is on hire.

ABOUT THE JOB:

The Youth Peer Support Worker uses their lived experience with mental health challenges, substance use, or other systemic barriers to support youth ages 12–24. Working as part of a collaborative interdisciplinary team, you will help create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment where youth feel heard, supported, and empowered. In this role, you will:

• Build supportive, peer-based relationships with youth through empathy, active listening, and appropriate sharing of lived experience.
• Provide one-to-one and group peer support that promotes hope, resilience, and personal growth.
• Plan and facilitate peer support groups, workshops, and wellness activities.
• Support youth in identifying strengths, setting goals, developing life skills, and connecting with community resources.
• Support youth through emotionally challenging situations using calm, respectful, and strength-based approaches.
• Promote harm reduction, youth autonomy, and recovery-oriented practice.
• Collaborate with the Foundry team to provide coordinated, youth-centred care.
• Maintain accurate documentation and contribute to a safe and welcoming program environment.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, and ABILITIES:

• Strong communication, active listening, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to build trust and maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
• Understanding of the challenges youth may experience, including mental health, substance use, and systemic barriers.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed, strength-based, and harm reduction approaches when supporting youth experiencing emotional distress or behavioural challenges.
• Commitment to culturally safe, inclusive, and youth-centred practice.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Sound judgment, reliability, and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and respond calmly in challenging situations.
• Comfort with Microsoft Office and basic computer applications.

JOB NUMBER: 2026-107

PROGRAM: Foundry Kamloops

STATUS: Part-Time

HOURS of WORK: 20 hours per week

SCHEDULE: Hours primarily fall within Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm, with occasional evening or weekend requirements for service delivery until 8:00pm to meet participant needs.

REPORTS TO: Manager of Foundry Kamloops

COMPENSATION: $27.11-$31.04 (Grid 9 as per collective agreement)

NUMBER of VACANCIES: Two (2)

CLOSING DATE: Position closes when a suitable applicant is found

Contact us at [e-mail] for any accommodation needs at any stage of the hiring process.

ICS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, visible or invisible diverse abilities, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, or, citizenship or immigration status. Where bona fide occupational requirements limit the applicant selection, the burden of proof rests with the Employer.