Youth Peer Support Worker

**Location**:Squamish - Foundry **Compensation**:$25.95
**Hours of Work**:16-24hrs/wk; Tues-Sat between **Position posted on**:September 6, 2024

11:30am-7:30pm **Start date**:As soon as possible.

**Nature of position**:Permanent, Part-Time. 2

positions available

**ABOUT SSCS**:
Founded in 1978, Sea to Sky Community Services (SSCS) is one of BC’s most respected and

established community service organizations. We operate within a large geographic area
- from Pemberton to Britannia Beach - supporting individuals and families living in the Sea to

Sky Corridor. We offer 41 programs and services, including early childhood development,

childcare, affordable housing, outreach, counselling, family support, seniors and youth

services, community living services and respite. We provide a range of services that support

our communities and residents through all ages and stages of their lives. Last year, SSCS

served 6900 individuals and families in our region.

**Contribution**:
The Youth Peer Support Worker works as a member of the interdisciplinary Foundry team.

Drawing on their lived experience, they provide peer support to youth aged 12 - 24 in the

development and maintenance of life skills. The Peer Support Worker helps connect youth

and young adults with Foundry and/or community resources, encourage youth to

participate in programs and activities, and foster the development of relationships based

on respect and role-modelling. The PSW facilitates group and one-to-one peer support

meetings and plans and delivers information sessions. Acts as a resource to service

providers.***

**Qualifications**:
1. Grade 12 graduation or equivalent

2. Experience working with youth and young adults with mental health and/or substance

use concerns

3. Lived experience of mental illness and/or substance use and willing to self-identify and

share experience of recovery.

4. Completion of/eligible for completion of a recognized youth peer support training

program.

5. One (1) year recent related experience working in peer support programs or experience

in leadership programs through school or community; or

6. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience

**Job skills and abilities**:
1. Ability to establish rapport and maintain positive relationships with young people and

family members.

and maintain confidentiality.

3. Demonstrate a level of cultural sensitivity and understanding of the client

population’s cultural and socio-economic characteristics.

4. Knowledge of systemic issues and risk factors facing minority groups including

LGBTQ2S+ and Indigenous youth and young adults.

5. Demonstrated ability to observe and recognize changes in youth and communicate

those changes to others on the care team.

6. Have a positive conviction about the capacity of people to grow and change.

7. Ability to work respectfully in partnership with other team members

8. Ability to set limits and to intervene appropriately to meet the needs of the persons

served or other family members.

9. Ability to recognize additional client needs and make appropriate referrals.

10. Demonstrated ability to work independently and show initiative, as well as be part of

an interdisciplinary team

11. Well-developed communications skills including active listening, and clear oral and

written communication

12. Demonstrated time management skills, accountability, reliability, and punctuality

13. Conflict resolution and crisis intervention skills

14. Basic computer skills: experience with Microsoft Office, Excel, PowerPoint and

Outlook.

**Responsibilities**:
1. In accordance with program guidelines, provides support, guidance, and

mentorship to youth and families in the areas of information, navigation, and

resources to assist youth and their families to become engaged and skilled in

managing mental health challenges, and in maintaining mental health and

wellness.

2. Supports youth with activities such as time management, organization, and

interpersonal communication. Accompanies youth to appointments as appropriate,

and leads or participates in activities to promote skills development, mental health,

substance use recovery, and relapse prevention.

3. Promotes youth participation in activities. Assists with planning and coordinates

and/or participates in recreation and social activities designed to meet the needs of

youth.

4. Develops relationships based on respect with clients and their family, friends, and

allies by encouraging informed decision making and helping to create a non
- judgemental environment by sharing experiences and insight. Encourages and

supports clients to become active and involved in their own health.

5. Works with inter-professional team members to meet pre-established goals and

objectives.

6. In accordance with program guidelines and consultation with the program

manager, talks to high school students and other youth groups about Foundry

services and other available s