Peer Support Worker - Canada Summer Jobs Program

Durham Community Health Centre•Oshawa, ON

5d•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. In partnership with the Canada Summer Jobs Program and its guiding principles, DCHC welcomes all qualified students to apply, particularly those considered as priority students (students with disabilities, Indigenous students, and students who are members of visible minority groups). Durham Community Health Centre (DCHC) is a registered, charitable organization that provides integrated, accessible, and equitable community-based primary care, wellness services, and health education to Durham community members who face multiple barriers to their health and well-being. DCHC also provides equity-based programs and services that focus on priority populations such as Indigenous, Black, the 2SLGBTQI Community, Newcomers to Canada, Seniors, and Unattached patients (i.e., those without a family doctor), to name a few. DCHC ensures Durham community members receive not only sick care, but preventive care as well. At DCHC, we are a team-based interprofessional group of staff including physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, counselors, dietitians, outreach workers, medical secretaries, and other administrative staff. We always place every client at the centre of our approach to care, based on their needs. We address these needs through integrated clinical and wellness care and health education. It's an exciting time to be joining DCHC, while we are embarking on an energizing path with a focus on making our biggest impact yet on local health care by diversifying, expanding, and leveraging our Strategic Plan, Theory of Change, Brand, Client Stories and Resources.

Requirements

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.
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.