Peer Support Worker

Job Title: Peer Support Worker

Location: Penticton Foundry

Employment Status: Temp Part -Time

Contract End Date: March 31, 2027

Hours: 20/week

Closing Date: November 15, 2026

Job Summary

The Peer Support Worker is a member of the Foundry Penticton Team and offers peer–based mentoring and emotional support to youth ages 12-24, and works collaboratively with youth, their families and allies, and members of the care team. The Peer Support Worker plays a key role in ensuring the Centre offers a safe, welcoming, inclusive and youth-friendly environment, facilitating youth engagement, independence and participation. This position assists with the delivery of peer-based walk-in services and is responsible for the organization and facilitation of groups and events.

Qualifications and Experience

• Grade 12 plus recent, related experience working with youth or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience

• Lived experience with mental health and/or substance challenges, completion of/eligible for completion of a recognized youth peer support training program, and willing to self-identify and share experience.

Required

• Successful completion of:

1. 1. criminal record check
   2. personal and professional references
   3. educational transcripts

• Have or willing to obtain a current First Aid Certificate & CPR
• Willing to complete IPS training and certification
• Valid BC Class 5 Driver's license, reliable vehicle and clean driver’s abstract
• Signed Confidentiality Agreement
• Adherence to OneSky policies and procedures, program operations manual and commitment to Code of Ethics

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to relate to and engage with youth, and understanding of the value of peer/client involvement
• 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
• Demonstrated problem solving and decision-making skills and the ability to gather and process information to support clients and/or the care team
• Basic knowledge of computer skills and social media
• Willing to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends

Responsibilities

• Plays a key role in ensuring 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 Centre activities
• Provides support, guidance and mentorship for youth and their allies, and assists in sharing information on resources and service navigation
• Assists clients toward self-managing all aspects of their life including their mental wellness, substance use and/or other health conditions by sharing information and a lived experience perspective
• Assists with creating an effective and supportive connection between service providers and clients, and facilitates awareness of youth/family needs
• Works collaboratively with team members to meet pre-established goals and objectives; facilitates recovery-based peer support meetings and activities
• Support youth with navigating resources and services and making appropriate referrals as needed
• Completes and maintains related records and documentation
• Attends and participates in team meetings, case conferences and Centre initiatives

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 CQI initiatives and accreditation requirements
• Participates in OneSky meetings and events as required
• 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