Peer Support Worker - Canada Summer Jobs Program

Durham Community Health Centre•Oshawa, ON

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Youth Peer Support Worker will support youth wellness, engagement, and inclusion at the Ajax Youth Wellness Hub. The role involves providing peer support, mentorship, and guidance to youth, especially those from underrepresented groups such as Black, Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQI+, and youth with disabilities. Drawing on lived experience with mental health or wellness challenges, the Peer Support Worker will engage youth in activities that promote mental wellness, self-advocacy, and life skills. This position also emphasizes skills development, supervision, and mentorship, offering the youth valuable career-building experience in community and mental health services. To be eligible for this position through the Canada Summer Jobs initiative, you must: be between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of the employment; have been registered as full-time students in the previous academic year and intend to return to school on a full-time basis in the next academic year; or have completed a diploma or a degree be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act; Have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial/territorial legislation and regulations.

Requirements

Lived or living experience with mental health, substance use, or wellness challenges.
Interest in supporting youth through peer support and mentorship.
Strong communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills
Proof of attending post-secondary education as of September 2026 or have completed a diploma or degree
Current Criminal Reference Check (including Vulnerable Sector Screening), if in the age range of 18-30.
Full vaccination against COVID-19 is mandatory for this position (DCHC will however adhere to its duty to accommodate those who are unable to be fully vaccinated for a reason related to a human rights protected ground).

Responsibilities

Build trusting, supportive relationships with youth based on empathy, respect, and recovery principles.
Provide peer support using lived experience to encourage resilience, self-advocacy, and empowerment.
Help youth navigate mental health, wellness, and social services, connecting them to relevant resources.
Model and teach coping strategies, self-care, and wellness skills.
Support youth engagement in peer-led programs and wellness workshops at the Hub.
Assist with peer-led activities (e.g., art groups, skill-building workshops) designed to support youth wellness and personal growth.
Participate in outreach efforts to engage priority youth populations both virtually and in-person.
Contribute to the co-design of youth programs, ensuring youth voice and leadership are central to decision-making.
Work as part of a team that includes child and youth workers, clinicians, and peer staff to ensure inclusive, trauma-informed service delivery.
Participate in supervision and training to build professional skills and receive ongoing feedback.
Contribute to program evaluation and improvement processes through feedback and documentation.
Adhere to Hub policies, health & safety protocols, and confidentiality guidelines.
Support crisis response efforts under supervision, when necessary.
Attend regular training and development to deepen knowledge of youth mental health, peer support, and community engagement.