Peer Support Worker, Black Justice Program

Tropicana Community Services•Toronto, ON

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

Tropicana Community Services (TCS) is seeking a Peer Support Worker for the Black Justice Program. This role provides direct, relationship-based support to youth and young adults (ages 12-29) who have been involved with the criminal justice system, incarceration, or high-risk activity. The Peer Support Worker will leverage lived experience, community credibility, and knowledge of youth culture to build trust, model positive pathways, and support reintegration into community, education, and employment. The position is part-time and requires flexibility for extended hours based on program needs. TCS is a leading Black-led and Black-serving organization dedicated to empowering diverse communities through culturally responsive programs.

Requirements

Understanding of the justice system, incarceration, gang involvement, or high-risk activity is required.
Strong knowledge of community dynamics, neighborhood youth networks, and current social media trends and platforms used by youth.
Demonstrated credibility and trust within the communities served, with an established ability to engage youth who are hesitant to access formal services.
Sound judgment and the ability to recognize and respond appropriately to safety-sensitive or high-risk situations.
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
Demonstrated commitment to anti-Black racism, anti-oppression, and culturally responsive practice.
Ability to work flexible hours, including some evenings, to align with youth availability and community activity.

Nice To Haves

Peer support training/certification, or a diploma or certificate in Social Service Work, Child and Youth Care, or a related field, is an asset but not required.
Valid driver's license and access to a vehicle are considered an asset, given travel across program sites and GTA.

Responsibilities

Build authentic, trusting relationships with youth engaged in the program, drawing on shared lived experience where applicable.
Provide one-on-one mentorship, encouragement, and practical support to youth navigating reintegration, including accompanying youth to appointments, court dates, school, or employment activities as needed.
Act as a positive, relatable role model, helping youth vision and work toward pathways out of gang involvement, theft rings, and other high-risk activity.
Support youth in developing life skills, coping strategies, and goal setting related to education, employment, and community connection.
Respond to youth in crisis or high-risk situations, escalating to the Social Worker or Program Manager as required.
Maintain current knowledge of community dynamics, neighborhood-level youth networks, and emerging risks, including activity connected to gangs and theft rings.
Monitor and understand relevant social media trends, platforms, and online youth culture to identify engagement opportunities and emerging risks, including online recruitment or escalation of conflict.
Conduct outreach in the community and online to engage youth who may not otherwise access services, including youth involved in high-risk activity outside the immediate service area.
Support the development of youth-facing communications and social media content that reflects authentic youth voice and community relevance.
Represent the program at community events, outreach activities, and youth-facing engagements.
Collaborate with the Social Worker to ensure a coordinated, wraparound approach to each youth's care.
Contribute case notes, youth feedback, and engagement data to support the Project Evaluator in tracking program KPIs.
Participate in regular supervision, team meetings, and case consultations with the Program Manager and program team.
Bring forward emerging community trends, risks, and youth feedback to inform program planning and adaptation.
Maintain confidentiality and adhere to all relevant Tropicana Community Services policies and professional boundaries.