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Peer Support Worker

Mississauga, ON
CA$28/hour
Mid Level
temporary

About the role

This is NOT a bargaining unit position.

We advise all applicants with work permits that obtaining employment with Polycultural will not guarantee the approval of any application for Permanent Resident status and emphasize that Polycultural’s positions do not currently qualify under the government’s Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) or Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) initiatives.

Company Overview

Be a part of Polycultural Immigrant and Community services! Founded in 1993, Polycultural is dedicated to hosting an open and inclusive environment for all. We are a multicultural melting-pot perfectly reflecting Canada’s diversity. We are like a family, have a culture filled with care and genuine connection with a very inclusive environment for all. With a diverse range of programs and services, we help individuals and families build a brighter future in Canada. Serving clients from over eight different locations across the GTA and Orangeville in more than 20 languages.

Scope

The Peer Support Worker will work as a member of a diverse interdisciplinary Youth Wellness Team to support youth experiencing mental health, substance use or other challenges. Peer Support involves emotional and practical support between people who share a common experience. Peers help to build equal and empathetic relationships, encouraging young people to make decisions based on their own knowledge and expertise about their own needs.

As a Peer Support Worker, you will utilize your lived/living experience of mental health and/or substance use to support youth accessing the Hub to determine their unique goals and service needs. In this role, you will

Youth Wellness Hub Ontario (YWHO) operates as a Learning Health System, which means service and practice are informed by evidence, data, and the everyday care experience. This evidence is then used to generate new knowledge and continuously refined to deliver best practices for continuous improvement. This will require the Peer Support Worker to engage in an environment of learning through data, with colleagues and service delivery partners with assistance from YWHO Provincial Office staff. This will also require participation in activities to further build the Learning Health System, such as evaluation, quality improvement, and research.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Engage youth and provide education about navigating mental health and substance use challenges as well as where to find resources in the community to address those concerns. As part of the Youth Wellness Team, Peers
  • Contribute to program development and outreach activities related to YWHO’s Clinical Services, Skills & Well-being Activities and Community Support Services.
  • Connect with clients on an individual basis and also as a group facilitator.
  • Support youth with the completion of standardized measures to help improve youth outcomes (focus on measurement-based care).
  • Facilitate social and recreational activities, both within the Hub and (when relevant) community-based outings (e.g. gyms, community centres, land based programming).
  • Provide individual mentorship and coaching to youth to navigate mental health system.
  • Assist in the planning, outreach and co-facilitation of skills activities and drop-in programming.
  • Complete documentation of client interactions and timely completion of data entry, case notes and other electronic records as required.
  • Attend team meetings as required and contribute to integrated care planning for youth.
  • Participate in community network meetings and support outreach.
  • Provide virtual-based (online, phone) and in-person service.
  • Participate in YWHO Provincial Community of Practice for Peer Support Worker role. Work from a harm reduction and culturally responsive approach.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Competencies

Adaptability

Changes behavioural style or method of approach when necessary to achieve a goal; adjusts style as appropriate to the needs of the situation. Responds to change with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn new ways to accomplish work activities and objectives.

Communications

Using a variety of communication styles and strategies to foster open communication, to exchange of information and discussion on an ongoing basis.

Initiative

Does more than is required or expected in the job; does things that no one has requested that will improve or enhance services, avoid problems, or develop entrepreneurial opportunities. Plan ahead for upcoming problems or opportunities and takes appropriate action.

Service

Demonstrates strong commitment to meeting the needs of clients, co-workers, managers, or community members, striving to ensure their full satisfaction.

Qualifications

  • Degree in Psychology or Social Work from an accredited educational institution
  • Minimum two years of experience working in mental health counselling of youth with addictions and/or crisis intervention
  • Experience working with major mental illnesses including; signs/symptoms, medication management addictions and other issues
  • Knowledge of case management including local resources and access to services
  • Excellent assessment skills
  • Knowledge of settlement and adaptability issues
  • Knowledge of sexual and domestic violence issues
  • Knowledge of all relevant legislation, policies and practices
  • Ability to engage and build rapport with clients from various cultural and social-economic backgrounds.
  • Strong client advocacy skills
  • Ability to assist in complex client live circumstances and maintain healthy boundaries
  • Possess cultural awareness and sensitivity
  • Demonstrate ability to work effectively within a team and independently with minimal supervision.
  • Create a safe, comfortable environment for clients
  • Demonstrated reliability, punctuality and attendance
  • Excellent communication skills, verbal and written
  • Strong time management skills
  • Fluency in French and/or Spanish is a definite asset

Other requirements

  • A satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Police Check (completed when offer is made)

If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of individuals from diverse backgrounds, we invite you to apply today and join our dedicated team at Polycultural Immigrant & Community Services!

Important Notice to Job Applicants

We strongly advise all applicants to apply for positions only through official and verified channels. Please ensure you are using legitimate links, either from our official website or trusted job platforms. Avoid third-party links or unsolicited messages and never share personal or financial information outside of secure, authorized application portals.

Polycultural reserves the right to post internally and externally.

In support of persons with disabilities, Polycultural asks job applicants with disabilities who require accommodation in the recruitment and selection process, to please advise Human Resources, if contacted for an interview/testing, so that suitable accommodation can be arranged. (In compliance with AODA, 2005, Integrated Accessibility Standards). If you require assistance in sending your resume due to a disability, please contact Human Resources directly.

We thank everyone for their interest in Polycultural; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Polycultural Immigrant & Community Services hires based on merit and is committed to employment equity.

No phone calls please.

Job Types: Part-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 5 months

Pay: $28.02 per hour

Expected hours: 20 per week

Work Location: In person

Expected start date: 2025-08-18

About Polycultural Immigrant and Community Services

Civic and Social Organizations
201-500

Polycultural Immigrant & Community Services is a charitable, non-profit, community-based agency serving individuals and communities for over 40 years!

Assisting youth, seniors, women, families newcomers & communities to integrate & participate in Canadian life.