Youth Peer Support Worker

The John Howard Society of North Island•Courtenay, BC

5d•CA$26 - CA$30•Hybrid

About The Position

In accordance with the established vision and values of the organization, the Youth Peer Support Worker works as a member of an interdisciplinary team to provide youth peer support. Plans, organizes, implements, and evaluates community-based recreational, social and/or education activities for youth aged 12 – 24. Encourages youth to participate in programs and activities through fostering the development of relationships based on respect and role-modelling. Facilitates group and one-to-one youth peer support meetings, and plans and delivers information sessions. Acts as a resource to service providers and youth.

Requirements

Six (6) months recent related experience working in youth peer support programs or recent experience in leadership programs at high school which should include:
Solid knowledge of common types of computer software such as Microsoft Office and Power point and the use of social media.
Some knowledge and awareness of mental health and community resources and supports.
Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Well-developed communications skills including active listening, and oral and written communication.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain rapport with peers.
Demonstrated time management skills, accountability, reliability, and punctuality.
Demonstrate a level of cultural sensitivity and understanding of the client population’s cultural and socio-economic characteristics.
Have the ability to form a mutually respectful partnership with persons served and their families in which they are helped to gain skills and confidence to address any issues and problems they face.
Have the ability to accept the differences they will find among their clients.
Accept clients’ rights to self-determination and individuality, and must not discriminate on the basis of Indigenous identity, race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, socio-economic status, political affiliations, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or age.
Have a positive conviction about the capacity of people to grow and change.
Have the ability to work respectfully in partnership with other team members, including referring authorities.
Recognize the value of a nurturing family as the ideal environment for a person.
Have the ability to recognize persons with special needs and make appropriate referrals.
Have the ability to set limits and maintain the helping role for the practitioner and to intervene appropriately to meet the needs of the persons served or other family members.
Demonstrate high degree of self-awareness and the capacity to apply appropriate boundaries and maintain confidentiality.
Have basic computer and Internet skills.
The worker must have a valid driver’s licence and safe, reliable transportation, and must obtain appropriate insurance as per Society policy.
The Youth Peer Support Worker may be involved in co-ordinating and/or participating in activities with clients, which may include physical, outdoor or other active elements.
The Youth Peer Support Worker will follow the Code of Ethics and the Mission Statement of The John Howard Society of North Island.

Nice To Haves

Multilingual skills and multicultural competence are assets.

Responsibilities

Plans, organizes, implements, and evaluates community-based recreational, social and/or educational activities to meet clients’ needs.
Encourages and facilitates clients’ participation in activities; provides guidance and instructions.
Monitors and observes client’s behaviour. Reports problems to the supervisor.
Provides skill-building to clients such as life skills and social skills; models appropriate behaviour.
Provides support to youth accessing services.
Ensures safety of clients. Responds to emergencies in accordance with established policies and guidelines.
Participates in the development of individual activity plans.
Helps with systems navigation.
Supports orientation to Foundry regarding services offered.
Supports outreach by assisting clients to attend appointments and access community resources.
Accompanies clients to activities.
Maintains related records and statistics and produces reports as required.
Maintains liaison with clients’ families, other community service providers and professionals.
Assists with groups.
Performs other related duties as required.