Youth Peer Support Worker

Association for New Canadians•St. John's, NL

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Association for New Canadians is a non-profit, community-based organization dedicated to the provision of settlement and integration services for immigrants and refugees. Reporting to the Provincial Training Facilitator, the Youth Peer Support Worker provides non-clinical, peer-based support to youth accessing the program. Grounded in lived or living experience, the role focuses on building connection, trust, and hope through mentorship, relational engagement, and strengths‑based support. The Peer Support Worker walks alongside youth as they navigate challenges, develop skills, and access community resources. This position is non‑clinical in nature and does not involve counselling, therapy, crisis intervention, diagnosis, assessment, or case management. The Youth Peer Support Worker provides emotional support, shares lived experience, mentors, and connects youth to resources. It does not provide counselling, therapy, diagnosis, or clinical assessment, nor does it take on the role of a clinician, social worker, or case manager. The Youth Peer Support Worker operates in accordance with the guiding principles of youth voice and choice, lived experience as expertise, hope, recovery, and resilience, healthy boundaries and ethical practice, and inclusion, diversity, and respect.

Requirements

Lived or living experience with mental health challenges and/or substance use, with demonstrated progress in personal recovery
Between the ages of 16-25 years old
Ability to use lived experience safely, purposefully, and appropriately in a peer role
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, particularly with youth
Understanding of trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, and youth-centered approaches
Empathy, authenticity, and active listening
Strong boundary-setting and self-awareness
Ability to engage youth in a relatable and respectful way
Cultural humility and commitment to equity and inclusion
Conflict resolution and problem-solving skills
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
Basic computer and documentation skills
Legal authorization to work in Canada
Satisfactory Criminal Record Screening and Vulnerable Sector Check from the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary

Nice To Haves

The ability to speak more than one language would be considered an asset
Experience working or volunteering with youth or vulnerable populations is an asset
Knowledge of local youth services and community resources is an asset

Responsibilities

Build safe, respectful, and trusting relationships with youth participants
Provide one-on-one and/or group peer support through shared lived experience
Offer emotional support, encouragement, and validation in a non-judgmental way
Support youth in identifying strengths, setting personal goals, and developing coping strategies
Encourage independence, resilience, and self-advocacy
Assist youth in navigating community services (e.g., housing, education, employment, health supports)
Facilitate or co-facilitate group activities, workshops, or peer-led initiatives
Maintain clear and consistent boundaries appropriate to the peer support role
Recognize when a youth may require additional or clinical support and connect them to appropriate services
Follow organizational protocols for safety, including escalation procedures when needed
Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation
Participate in supervision, team meetings, and ongoing training