Youth Peer Support Worker

Youth Peer SupportWorker – Regional Youth Peer Support Program

The Youth Peer Support Worker (YPSW) provides recovery-oriented, youth-centered peer support to youth 13-24 years accessing mental health and substance use services. Drawing from lived and living experience, the YPSW builds authentic and strengths-based relationships that foster hope, resilience, self-determination, and wellbeing.

Working within a referral-based model, the YPSW supports youth through one-to-one and group-based peer support, system navigation, mentorship, and connection to community resources. This role works collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams and community partners while upholding trauma-informed, culturally safe, anti-oppressive, and harm reduction practices.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Provide one-to-one peer support to youth and young adults through emotional support, encouragement, goal setting, and practical problem solving.
• Build trusting, respectful, and youth-centered relationships that promote self-determination and independence.
• Support youth in navigating mental health, substance use, and community-based services and resources.
• Assist youth in developing self-advocacy skills and confidence in accessing services and supports.
• Facilitate group workshops and peer-based activities focused on wellness, recovery, skill building, and social connection.
• Use lived and living experience intentionally and ethically to promote hope, normalize experiences, and reduce isolation.
• Support youth in identifying strengths, protective factors, cultural connections, and meaningful goals.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and contribute lived-experience-informed perspectives to service planning.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation, service records, and activity reporting in accordance with organizational standards.
• Identify and escalate safety concerns, critical incidents, or changes in presentation according to established protocols.
• Maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality, and ethical practice in all aspects of peer support work.
• Participate in ongoing training, reflective practice, supervision, and professional development opportunities.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and Experience

• Completion of a two-year diploma in a related human or social services field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and lived/living experience.
• Minimum one (1) year of experience in peer support, mental health, and/or substance use programming.
• Lived and living experience with mental health and/or substance use challenges, with the ability to use this experience appropriately within a peer support role.

Working Conditions

• Regular travel throughout the assigned Fraser Health region is required.
• Work may take place in community, clinical, and partner organization settings.
• Flexible scheduling, including occasional evenings, may be required based on program needs.

Additional Requirements

• Criminal Record Check is required.
• Current First Aid and CPR Certificate.
• Valid and unrestricted Class 5 BC Driver’s License with access to a safe and reliable vehicle.
• Acceptable Driver’s Abstract (provided annually).
• Position requires Union Membership.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated understanding of peer support values, ethics, and recovery-oriented practice.
• Strong interpersonal, relationship-building, and active listening skills.
• Ability to engage youth using strengths-based, trauma-informed, and youth-centered approaches.
• Knowledge of mental health, substance use, harm reduction, and community support systems.
• Ability to support youth with system navigation and self-advocacy.
• Strong facilitation skills for group-based workshops and activities.
• Ability to work collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams and community partnerships.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and documentation skills.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Demonstrated cultural humility, inclusivity, and anti-oppressive practice.
• Ability to work independently and adapt to changing priorities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic documentation systems.

Shift/Schedule/Hours per week:

Regular PT – 2 positions

Position 1 (Abbotsford Foundry): 21 hours a week; M