Peer Support Worker

STRIDES TORONTO•Toronto, ON

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

This is an existing vacancy for a full-time permanent Peer Support Worker, Anti-Human Trafficking (AHT). The Peer Support Worker will use their lived experience to provide relational, emotional, and practical support to female-identifying youth aged 12–17 who are survivors of sex trafficking and/or sexual exploitation in the Anti-Human Trafficking live-in treatment program. Rooted in a trauma-informed and survivor-centered approach, the Peer Support Worker will foster trust, model healthy relationships, and support youth in navigating their healing journeys. They will collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to co-facilitate and deliver trauma-informed, strength-based psychoeducation and activities related to topics such as gender-based violence, sexual exploitation, harm reduction, and personal empowerment, while centering the voices and choices of the youth.

Requirements

Lived experience of childhood sexual exploitation and/or sex trafficking.
A minimum of two years of general paid work experience and at least one year of volunteer experience, or equivalent.
Relevant education is considered an asset, such as a diploma or degree in Social Service Work, Addictions and Mental Health, Community Work, or a related human services field.
Displayed competencies of self-care practices, personal/professional boundaries and growth of interpersonal skills.
Awareness of the role of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) in the workplace and within the community being served by the position.
An understanding of anti-black racism, anti-oppressive/anti-racism perspective in the context of the social determinants of health.
Ability to recognize and identify situations where incidents of imbalance of power and privilege may occur and can result in possible negative impacts.
A Broad Record Check
Satisfactory completion of the Strides Toronto Health Assessment Form

Nice To Haves

Functional computer and client information system knowledge.
Fluency in another language(s), including sign language.

Responsibilities

Work collaboratively with the interdisciplinary care team to support education and awareness activities as they relate to sexual exploitation and sex trafficking.
Drawing from lived experience and education, support survivors both one-on-one and in group settings on issues that may include substance use, mental health, trauma, and sexual abuse or exploitation.
Work collaboratively with the interdisciplinary care team to implement and maintain client centered routines and structure that support the health and wellness needs of clients.
Provide consistent social and emotional support to clients through empathetic listening, shared experience, and relationship-building, fostering a sense of safety, trust, and connection throughout their healing journey.
Engage in professional development activities and document client information that is reflective of policy, accreditation, and MCCSS licensing standards.

Benefits

Comprehensive health, dental, vision coverage and EAP, premium fully paid by organization
Life and disability insurance
Defined Contribution Pension plan with employer matching up to 6% based on length of service
Generous paid time off (Vacation, Sick and Float days)
Pregnancy/Parental leave top-up
Hybrid work flexibility
Access to employee perks and discounts
Opportunities for growth and professional development
Commitment to providing an equitable and inclusive environment where diverse team members and clients can thrive
Collaborative and supportive Senior Management Team
High standards for performance, client outcomes, and best practices, demonstrated through accreditation with the Canadian Centre for Accreditation