Youth Peer Support Worker

Association for New Canadians is a non-profit, community-based organization dedicated to the provision of settlement and integration services for immigrants and refugees.

Job Title:                     Youth Peer Support Worker

Location:                     St. John’s, NL

Position Type:             11 Temporary-part-time positions until March 31, 2027

Closing date:               Until filled

Reporting to the Provincial Program Trainer, 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.

Hours & Location: This position works up to 10 hours per week and may involve providing peer support in person, virtually, and by phone. In-person work will primarily take place at an English as an Additional Language school, with opportunities to provide support in other community-based settings, including potential school-based sessions. Youth Peer Support Workers are expected to establish a consistent weekly schedule based on their availability and program needs. Schedules will be discussed and confirmed with the program team.

Role and 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

Scope of Role

The Youth Peer Support Worker:

• Does: provide emotional support, share lived experience, mentor, and connect youth to resources
• Does Not: provide counselling, therapy, diagnosis, or clinical assessment
• Does Not: take on the role of a clinician, social worker, or case manager

Guiding Principles
The Youth Peer Support Worker operates in accordance with the following guiding principles:
 • Youth voice and choice
 • Lived experience as expertise
 • Hope, recovery, and resilience
 • Healthy boundaries and ethical practice
 • Inclusion, diversity, and respect

Qualifications and Experience

• Be between 16 and 25 years of age.
• Have been born outside Canada and have lived experience as a newcomer to Canada. Preference will be given to candidates who have been living in Canada for five years or less.
• Be legally authorized to work in Canada for the duration of the 12-month employment period. Candidates do not necessarily need to be permanent residents if they hold another valid work authorization that covers the full employment period.
• Have lived or living experience with mental health challenges and/or substance use, with demonstrated progress in personal recovery.
• Demonstrate the ability to use lived experience safely, purposefully, and appropriately within a peer support role.
• Have strong interpersonal and communication skills, particularly when working with youth.
• Experience working or volunteering with youth or other vulnerable populations is considered an asset.
• Knowledge of local youth services, community resources, and support systems is considered an asset.
• The ability to speak more than one language is considered an asset.

Skills and Competencies

• 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

Conditions of Employment

• Be between 16 and 25 years of age.
• Have been born outside Canada and have lived experience as a newcomer to Canada. Preference will be given to candidates who have been living in Canada for five years or less.
• Be legally authorized to work in Canada for the duration of the 12-month employment period. Candidates do not necessarily need to be permanent residents if they hold another valid work authorization that covers the full employment period.
• Hold a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) and have legal authorization to work in Canada
• Flexible schedule
• This position is subject to a satisfactory Criminal Record Screening and Vulnerable Sector Check from the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary

How to Apply

 Please upload a cover letter and resume in PDF form to

https://associationfornewcanadians.bamboohr.com/careers/307

Association for New Canadians is committed to the advancement of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. We believe that diversity in our team is a key pillar in the work we do and invite all candidates to discuss their specific skill sets and experience. We will work with qualified applicants to provide reasonable accommodation upon request to facilitate this recruitment process.

Visit us on-line at www.ancnl.ca.