Peer Support Worker

**Peer Support Worker**

**Position Description**:
Reporting to the Youth Wellness Hub Manager, the Peer Support Worker will deliver frontline support to youth from a trauma-informed, culturally considerate lens. This position emphasizes the expertise of individuals with lived experience and utilizes empowerment techniques to support youth on their journey of healing and wellness. The Peer Support Worker sees themselves as a peer to young people and will pull on their lived experience to relate to the challenges that youth face. As part of the Youth Wellness Team, the Peer Support Worker will lead youth engagement, ensuring that youth voice is embedded in all aspects of the YWH.

Position Title**:Peer Support Worker**

Department: Health Promotion and Wellness Services Department

Term: Permanent (Full-time)

**Salary**: $55,000

Location: 120 Main Street, Kenora, Ontario

Reports to: Manager - Youth Wellness Hub

**Youth & Family Engagement**:

- Welcome and orient youth to the YWH in an approachable, non-judgmental way;
- Provide information, education and guidance to youth and families, supporting them to identify the most appropriate service(s);
- Support youth to engage in our intake process;
- Facilitate individual and group programs and activities through the YWH drop-in program;
- Support youth with needs including housing, employment, education, food security and cultural connections;
- Provide crisis intervention, when necessary;
- Ensure youth voices are embedded in the development and operations of the YWH;
- Chair and support the work of the Youth Advisory Council;
- Help in the facilitation of peer-led Initiatives such as peer support groups;
- Manage YWH’s social media platforms and other communication channels;
- Provide in-person and virtual service to clients;
- Daily Hub maintenance including but not limited to, sanitization, organization, cleaning, etc.;
- Work as part of the Youth Wellness Team to reduce barriers and increase access to services;
- Other duties as required.

**Qualifications**:

- Lived experience with mental health and/or substance use issues and willingness to share experiences is a requirement;
- Excellent rapport and ability to work with youth;
- College diploma or university degree from a recognized post-secondary institution preferred;
- Experience facilitating activities and programs, including culturally-based programming is an asset;
- Ability to respond to crisis and post-crisis situations;
- Excellent skills in the following areas: team work, youth engagement, social media, computer, organization, networking, interpersonal and communication (written & oral);
- Ability to demonstrate and work through a lens of sensitivity to diversity related to race, religion, culture, cognitive functioning, poverty, sexual orientation and gender identity;
- Commitment to participating and learning about Anishinaabe culture and experience working with First Nations populations is considered an asset;
- Willingness to engage in mental health, substance use and other necessary trainings to increase capacity and skills in the field of peer support;
- Valid driver’s license and vehicle;
- Vulnerable Sector Criminal Records Search;
- Ability and willingness to work evenings and weekends.

**Position Requirements**:
Ø Valid driver’s license and vehicle;
Ø Current satisfactory Criminal Reference Check with Vulnerable Sector Search.

Ø Ability and willingness to work evenings and weekends.

We are looking to grow our teams with people who share our energy and enthusiasm for creating the best experience for our clients and within KCA. **Discover What’s Possible**

Please forward your resume, cover letter and three references to:
Human Resource Department

Kenora Chiefs Advisory

P.O. Box 349- 240 Veterans Drive, 3rd Floor

Kenora ON P9N 3X4

Fax: 807-467-2656

*We thank all that apply, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted
- *_* Traditional practices involve burning sacred medicines including tobacco, sweetgrass, sage and cedar within the work setting

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $55,000.00 per year

**Benefits**:

- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision care
- Wellness program

Work Location: In person