Peer Support Worker

Who We Are

Founded in 1889, YWCA Hamilton is known as one of Hamilton's original social innovators and works from a feminist, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive framework. We are dedicated to strengthening women's and girl's voices, broadening their choices, building dynamic leadership and providing essential services that promote safe, inclusive and equitable communities.

YWork for us?

At YWCA Hamilton, we are intentional about fostering a workplace culture that values positive physical and emotional well-being through our values of Intersectional Feminism, People Centred, Belonging, Responsibility, and Partnerships. We invest in our employees so that we can bring our values into the communities in which we live. We offer our employees:

• On-the-job training and professional development opportunities
• Childcare discounts
• Opportunities to get involved in our community
• A competitive total rewards package

If you're passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of women, children, and families every day, we would love for you to join our team

Position Description

Job Code: 22-MRE-2025

Department: Housing and GBV Support Services

Reports to: Program Supervisor

Location: Hamilton, ON

Hours of Work: 37.5 hours per week

Posting Date: October

The Peer Support Worker will assist residents of Transitional Living to develop skills that will

support their transition into independent and sustainable housing; and work to create a network

for informal and formal supports and resources post discharge. Support will be structured through

onsite check-ins and accompaniments, as well as offsite meet ups post discharge as applicable.

These supports are aimed to both reduce isolation through a resident's transition into stable

housing and protect against a return to homelessness through supported problem solving and

outreach supports.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides supports to residents both one to one and in group formats, consistent with the

program framework; including home management support, budgeting, unit viewings, lease

signings, coordination of utilities, social / recreational supports and various discharge planning

connections, as a part of the individuals housing support plan and in collaboration with

Transitional Living Program Staff.

• Provides support to peers by contributing to discussions on specific peer challenges and shared learnings;
• Provides feedback on the program design and delivery;
• Successfully completes any required trainings;
• Performs basic housekeeping / home management support tasks as required;
• Works with residents both pre and post discharge as needed; coordinates with necessary transition based supports (Housing Help Centre / Venture Centre/Intensive Case Managers etc);
• Supports completion of Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool (SPDAT) and other assessment tools as needed;
• Supports input of necessary data related to Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool (SPDAT), case management, and housing stability into HIFI;
• Provides feedback and/or improvements on the design of the program and the training;
• Assists women leaving the program, along with program staff, in developing and connecting into a 'circle of care' which will act as a safety net when facing challenges post discharge;
• Maintains appropriate record keeping and reporting in accordance with YWCA Hamilton policies and procedures, and department specific procedures;
• Attends regular supervision, case planning and housing meetings with Transitional Housing staff as needed;
• Provides reports and updates to Program Management when required;
• Maintains high level of confidentiality when working with sensitive and personal client, employee and contract information;
• Nurtures and forms meaningful internal and external working relationships and partnerships;
• Supports YWCA Hamilton mission, vision and values;
• Perform other duties as required.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Works a 37.5 hour work week; which may include evenings and weekends as needed
• Regularly works in emotional charged situations requiring resolution;
• Work environment may be hostile or violent at times.

Qualifications

• Experience with and knowledge of Hamilton resources, housing services and community service providers;
• Lived experience in transitioning from homelessness into stable housing;
• Ability to adapt within varied recovery models of support ranging from harm reduction to abstinence based;
• Stable living situation for a minimum of 1 year time and in a stable place with their recovery;
• Minimum of 1 year since last access of YWCA Hamilton housing programs;

• Minimum 1 year of comparable volunteer, educational or work experience in the social service sector providing direct support an asset;

• Be able to work from an intersectional, culturally inclusive and responsive framework;

• Peer Support Worker certification an asset;
• Must provide a current Vulnerable Sector Police check or willingness to obtain at own cost;
• Must have current Standard First Aid and CPR certificate or willingness to obtain at own cost;
• Must be able to work from a feminist, anti-racist/anti-oppressive perspective;
• Ability to work a variety of hours including evening and weekends as needed;
• Bilingual English/French or other languages an asset.

As part of YWCA Hamilton's commitment to Access and Equity, we strive to represent the diverse communities that we serve. Individuals who are women, First Nations, Métis, immigrant, refugee, LGBTQ2S+; individuals with disabilities; and individuals from racialized communities or other marginalized communities are encouraged to apply.

Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process. Please inform us of any accommodation requests.

Please Note: Personal information collected during the recruitment process will only be used for employment opportunities only in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act. Only applications from individuals eligible to work in Canada will be considered.

Thank you for your interest in YWCA Hamilton. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.