Peer Mentor

Purpose:

Youth Futures/ Avenir Jeunesse is a six-month transformative program that equips low-income high school students in Ottawa with the tools they need to excel in post-secondary education. Through a unique blend of leadership development, employment experience, mentorship, and post-secondary orientation, we empower youth to shape their futures and contribute to building stronger communities. Our program is supported by community organizations such as the City of Ottawa, BGC Ottawa, Ottawa Community Housing Foundation, and other local partners who are committed to fostering opportunities for vulnerable youth.

As a youth futures/Avenir Jeunesse Peer Mentor, you will directly contribute to this impactful initiative by guiding and inspiring a group of 15 youths, helping them navigate personal, academic, and professional challenges. This is a role where you can create lasting change by supporting the next generation of leaders.

Position Overview:

This position reports to the Mentorship Coordinator. This position will be from January to August (approx. 15 hours per week PT and May to August 35 hours per week FT). The program accepts 150 high school participants and hires 10 Peer Mentors to work in assigned groups of two Mentors to 30 youth. Mentor pairing is assigned based on language requirements for the English and French cohorts. Mentors will also work with their fellow Mentor colleagues, the Youth Futures planning team, and the Advanced Leadership Program (ALP) facilitators from the City of Ottawa to ensure program objectives are met and youth develop positively.

For a full overview of the Youth Futures / Avenir Jeunesse Program please visit youth-

Why Join us?

• Be a Change Maker: Engage directly with youth from diverse backgrounds and guide them through one of the most pivotal stages of their lives.
• Develop Leadership Skills: Mentorship isn't just about helping others—it's about growing alongside them. As a Peer Mentor, you'll gain hands-on experience in leadership, group facilitation, and youth development. You'll also gain fantastic administrative skills that can be transferred to many future jobs.
• Join a Legacy: With over 1,300 alumni since 2008, you'll be part of a program with a proven track record of success. Your contribution can help shape the future of Ottawa's youth.
• Expand Your Network: Collaborate with community leaders, employers, and youth organizations, gaining invaluable connections and insights.

Key Responsibilities:

Administrative Duties

• Manage youth progress by maintaining detailed records and facilitating clear communication via SharePoint, Outlook, Planner, Word, Excel, and Mentorcity
• Ensuring that youth have and complete required documents for program completion
• Design presentations and reports to aid in youth employment selections
• Ensure timely completion of administrative tasks, reporting any concerns or delays proactively
• Ensure that youth complete trainings provided
• Schedule and lead meetings with individual youths or mentor group, community partners, and youth's employers

Youth Development

• Foster a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment where youth feel supported to overcome barriers
• Provide both group and one-on-one mentorship, guiding youth through training, job placements, and personal growth
• Actively engaging in consistent relationship building with youth
• Be a positive role model for youth
• Advocate on behalf of youth that attend the program
• Address behavioral challenges constructively, through the lens of the opportunities policy, to help youth reflect and grow from their experiences
• Encourage youth to set and achieve learning objectives, developing their skills for future success

Program Duties

• Assist in the facilitation of key training sessions and engagement activities.
• Act as a bridge between youth and employers during summer placements, ensuring successful outcomes.
• Play an active role in planning and delivering program events and activities, driving the program's mission forward

Education:

• Must be currently attending a Post-Secondary School
• First Aid and CPR training an asset
• High Five training an asset

What You Bring:

• A Passion for Youth Development: You have a genuine interest in helping youth realize their potential, especially those from marginalized communities
• Leadership Experience: You have a track record in youth programming, leadership development, or group facilitation, and are eager to continue growing in these areas
• Cultural Awareness: Your understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion helps you effectively navigate challenges that marginalized youth may face
• Adaptability: You're comfortable working in dynamic, fast-paced and ever-changing environments, and can easily adjust to shifting needs and priorities
• Excellent Communication: You are skilled at building strong, positive relationships with youth, colleagues, and community partners

Other skills and/or requirements

• Language requirements: English mandatory; Bilingualism in French and English required for 5 of the 10 Mentor positions.
• Additional Languages: Fluency in any other languages is a strong asset, as it enhances our capacity to serve youth from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to work flexible hours: Position involves working evenings and weekends on a regular basis
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Microsoft, Excel, SharePoint, Outlook) is mandatory

Please note: the following is required for this position:

• Current Criminal Record Check (vulnerable sector) for employees that are 18 years old and over

WORKING CONDITIONS

During the part-time period, mentors will work remotely, setting their own hours with the requirement to work Saturdays in person, and a scheduled virtual weekly meeting. From May to August, full-time hours will include on-site meetings and community visits with a provided bus pass. This role offers an incredible opportunity to impact lives, balanced with the flexibility and support from the Mentorship Coordinator and the Youth Futures Planning team to ensure you can thrive both professionally and personally.

Administratively, the program has cycles of low and high work periods. Low work periods happen more frequently before May. Electronic devices are provided to complete administrative tasks. Responsive communication is expected.

Compensation: $19.90 per hour

Start date: January 19th , 2026

End date: August 21st , 2026

Positions available: 10

BGC Ottawa is an equal opportunity employerthat values diversity. We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment and to providing a workplace which is free from discrimination and harassment. This means that all job applicants, employees and volunteers receive equal treatment regardless of race, colour, ethnic or national origins, sex, marital status, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief.

BGC Ottawa welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodation is available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

We thank all applicants for their interest in this position however we will only be contacting those selected for an interview.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $19.90 per hour

Expected hours: 15 – 35 per week

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Ottawa, ON K2B 7W3