Peer Support Worker – Work

Job Title: Peer Support Worker – Work & Education Temp FT

Location: Foundry, Penticton

Hours: 30 hours a week

Duration: Starting date - August 01, 2027

About OneSky

OneSky is a progressive, not-for-profit organization that has proudly served the South Okanagan Similkameen for over 50 years. Guided by our core belief that we are all connected under one sky, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone can thrive. Our mission is to empower individuals to reach their full potential by removing barriers and providing a diverse range of supportive services. At OneSky, we value diversity, accessibility, respect, accountability, integrity, and collaboration in everything we do. OneSky Community Resources is the lead agency working with almost 20 community partners to establish and operate Foundry Penticton.

We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, and a dynamic, supportive work environment where teamwork and fun are at the heart of our culture. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and advancing your career, OneSky is the place for you.

About Foundry

Foundry BC is a provincial initiative to expand access to mental healthcare, substance use services, primary care, peer support, and social services for young people across BC through Integrated Youth Services (IYS) centres. By bringing together a variety of health and social services under one roof and working in partnership with young people (aged 12 to 24) and families, Foundry will help young people get the help they need when they need it.

Job Summary

The Peer Support Worker – Work & Education is a member of the Foundry Penticton team and provides peer-based mentoring, emotional support, and practical assistance to youth ages 12–24 as they work toward their employment, education, and training goals. The position plays a key role in ensuring the Centre offers a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and youth-friendly environment by building trusting relationships, supporting youth engagement, and assisting with resource navigation. Working collaboratively with youth, their families and allies, employers, educational institutions, and the integrated care team, the Peer Support Worker offers guidance on job search skills, school and training pathways, and life and employability skill development, while also helping youth access community support and opportunities that promote independence, participation, and meaningful connection.

Responsibilities

Direct Service Responsibilities

• Ensure that the centre offers a safe, welcoming, inclusive and youth-friendly environment, facilitating youth engagement, independence and participation
• Establishes and maintains trusting and purposeful relationships with clients and supports their engagement and participation in activities
• Provides support, guidance and mentorship for youth and their allies, and assists in sharing information on resources and service navigation
• Supports clients to advocate for themselves by problem solving in areas such as financial assistance and accessing community resources
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of employment and education trends, needs and gaps to support employment and education opportunities for youth
• Maintain relationships with a broad range of employer partners to provide opportunities for youth with support and accessibility needs in the workplace
• Identify volunteer opportunities that further employment and education goals
• Assess youth's vocational skills and preferences on an ongoing basis utilizing background information and work experiences
• Help youth learn about different jobs/careers, conduct job searches and assist with meetings with workers/managers to ask about positions that interest the youth, meetings with academic advisors, and job fairs to speak with employers about different types of jobs
• Assist youth in learning about different education and vocational training programs related to their interests and academic aptitudes
• Assist youth in accessing and applying for other services/resources, including financial aid
• Liaise with community employment offices and agencies
• Works collaboratively with team members to meet pre-established goals and objectives; facilitates peer support groups and activities
• Completes and maintains related records and documentation

Responsibilities to the Agency

• Maintains a commitment to maintaining inclusive quality service environments that provide clients with respect, and value their choices and abilities
• Maintains confidentiality
• Supports and maintains Continuous Quality Improvement initiatives, accreditation requirements, OneSky policy, and Foundry Penticton's operating procedures
• Participates in OneSky and Foundry meetings and events as required, including the Work & Education Community of Practice meetings
• Supports the mission, vision, and values of OneSky
• Perform any related duties which may be assigned and/or required to maintain the operations and integrity of the program

Qualifications and Experience

• Grade 12 plus recent, related experience working with youth or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Preference for experience in supporting at-risk youth facing multiple barriers to employment & education, and providing employment support

Position Requirements

• Successful completion of:
• criminal record check
• personal and professional references
• educational transcripts
• Have or are willing to obtain a current First Aid & CPR certificate
• Willing to complete IPS training and certification
• Valid BC Class 5 driver's license, and clean driver's abstract
• Signed confidentiality agreement
• Adherence to OneSky policies and procedures, program operations manual and commitment to Code of Ethics

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to relate to and engage with youth, understand the value of peer/client involvement and support youth with various health and social barriers to employment and education
• High degree of self-awareness and capacity to apply appropriate boundaries and maintain confidentiality
• Ability to work independently and in cooperation with others
• Ability to organize and prioritize, and to work well under pressure or in difficult circumstances
• Ability to establish rapport with clients, their families and their support networks, and to maintain supportive, collaborative relationships
• Demonstrated ability to recognize changes in clients and communicate those changes to others on the care team
• Basic knowledge of computer skills and social media
• Willing to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends

Why work at OneSky?

At OneSky Community Resources, we believe in the strength of community, the importance of connection, and the potential of every young person. As a Peer Support Worker - Work & Education at Foundry Penticton, you'll be part of a passionate, multidisciplinary team working together to create safe, inclusive, and youth-friendly spaces. You'll play a vital role in offering meaningful peer-based support, fostering trust, and helping youth feel seen, heard, and empowered.If you're a compassionate, community-minded individual who thrives in a collaborative, ever-evolving environment, we invite you to apply. Help us make Penticton a safer, more inclusive place for youth to grow, thrive, and belong.