Encompass Support Services Society is an accredited, non-profit organziation that provides a wide range of programs and support services in Langley and Aldergrove for over 25 years. We help to build strong, sustainable communities by offering inclusive, accessible services tailored to meet the changing needs of the individuals and community we serve.

At Encompass, we are committed to a journey towards cultural humility and safety; for the well-being of those we serve and those, we work along-side. We gratefully acknowledge that the programs, services and offices of Encompass are on the unceded, sovereign Indigenous lands of the Coast Salish People. This includes the territories of Kwantlen, Katzie, Matsqui and Semiahmoo First Nations. We also acknowledge the Diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people who make Langley their home.

Our purpose is to strengthen the health and vitality of community by identifying and responding to community needs, collaborating to enhance the lives of those we serve, while cultivating effective and sustainable partnerships.

Our vision is to empower individuals, to connect people, and to enrich lives. We value Integrity, Inclusion, Collaboration, and Community.

Our programs and supports are designed to build new skills, to foster healthy, productive lifestyles and to improve access to services within our community. Services are low-barrier, all-inclusive and at no cost to participants. Annually, we provide services to over 2500 individuals and families.

The Opportunity

The Youth Peer Support (YPS) Casual worker offers peer-based mentoring and emotional support and works collaboratively with youth, their families and members of the care team. By utilizing their own lived experience, the YPS worker helps youth and young adults to enhance their health and wellness through service navigation, providing resource information and connecting them with Foundry and/or community resources. This position primarily supports the social programming drop-in spaces by modeling pro-social behaviour, planning and engaging in wellness activities, and upholding program guidelines where necessary. This position has the opportunity to engage in one on one work with clients in a peer support setting.

JOB POSTING: 2025-0300 YPSW Casual
DATE: July 29, 2025
POSITION: Casual
SALARY RANGE: Wage Grid 10: $26.83 - $29.76
VACATION: As per ESSS policy
CLOSING: Open until filled
ANTICIPATED START DATE: ASAP

Some Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plays a key role in ensuring that the centre offers a safe, welcoming, inclusive and youth-friendly environment;
• Establishes a purposeful relationship with young people and supports their engagement and participation in centre services;
• Provides support, guidance and mentorship for youth and their families and assists in sharing information on resources and lived experience service navigation;
• Facilitates support for youth with the activities of daily living including time management, organization and interpersonal communication;
• Coordinates, participates in or assists with planning recreation and social activities;
• Provides support to aid with reducing youth’s distress, improving or maintaining functioning and enabling independence and active participation;
• Works collaboratively with team members to meet pre-established goals and objectives, facilitates recovery-based peer support meetings and activities;
• Works collaboratively with centre staff, community and hospital-based teams to build relationships between youth, families and systems to enhance the awareness of youth and family needs;
• Completes and maintains related records and documentation including statistics, progress reports and care plans, meeting agency and accreditation requirements;
• Performs other duties as required/assigned.

Qualifications:
1. Education and Knowledge

• Grade 12 plus related experience working with youth and young adults with mental health and/or substance use issues or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience;
• Post-secondary education in a related discipline considered an asset; and

2. Training and Experience

• Lived experience of mental illness and/or substance use, completion of or eligible for completion of a recognized youth peer support training program and willing to self-identify and share experience of recovery.
• Direct service delivery experience in the community social services sector with a demonstrated working knowledge of community-based services and related provincial and community support service systems considered an asset.

3. Skills and Abilities

• Ability to establish rapport and maintain therapeutic relationships with young people and family members;
• Knowledge of peer support practices and recovery;
• Empathic and compassionate, with good listening skills and creative thinking and willingness to share one’s own story to facilitate and support recovery;
• Demonstrated ability to observe and recognize changes in youth and communicate those changes to others on the care team;
• Conflict resolution and crisis intervention skills;
• High degree of self-awareness and capacity to apply appropriate boundaries and maintain confidentiality;
• Ability to promote positive change and independence;
• Self-starter with a positive attitude and able to advocate for self and others;
• Knowledge of systemic issues and risk factors facing minority groups including 2SLGBTQIA+ and Indigenous youth and young adults;

4. Other Information

• Preference of a valid BC class 5 Driver’s license, have a reliable vehicle, business insurance and drivers abstract review. (mileage paid for work use)
• Police Information Check including a vulnerable sector checked
• Current First Aid certification required

At Encompass Support Services Society, we have prioritized equity, diversity, and inclusion. We strive to embed these principles in our programs and services and in fostering an environment of dignity, respect, and belonging. We encourage applications from persons with historical and/or current barriers to equity, who will work respectfully within our inclusive organization and diverse community.

In lieu of a resume and cover letter, applicants are welcomed to submit a video application. Please email your video at hr@encompass-supports.com and include the following information:

• Introduction and educational background: Introduce yourself and provide a brief overview of your educational background and why you’re applying for the role.
• Work experience: Please describe your previous/current role and responsibilities and how it is relevant to this position
• Skills and Abilities: What specific skills or strengths do you bring to this role?