Youth Peer Support Worker
Foundry is a province wide network that makes it easier for young people (ages 12 24) to access five core services—mental health, substance use, physical & sexual health, peer support, and social services—in one welcoming space. Our mission, co created with youth, families, and communities, is to help every young person live a good life—a phrase inspired by First Nations and Métis youth that honours the diverse ways we experience health and wellness.
As a Youth Peer Support Worker, you’ll use the wisdom of your lived experience to walk alongside young people who are navigating mental health or substance use challenges. You’ll champion their strengths, share hope, and help connect them—and their families or caregivers—to the right supports at Foundry and in the community. This is a part time position that includes a blend of onsite shifts, outreach, and includes evening hours.
HOW YOU’LL MAKE AN IMPACT
Cultivate a brave, youth centred space. Greet every young person with warmth and respect, ensuring Foundry feels safe, affirming, and inclusive for all identities, cultures, abilities, and backgrounds.
Build purposeful relationships. Use active listening, empathy, and storytelling to foster trust; help youth identify their own strengths, goals, and recovery pathways.
Mentor and guide. Offer peer based coaching on life skills (time management, communication, self advocacy) and accompany youth to appointments when helpful.
Facilitate connection. Co design and lead small groups or workshops that spark community, skill building, cultural safety, and relapse prevention strategies.
Spark engagement. Help plan and host low barrier social, cultural, and recreational activities that honour diverse traditions and ways of healing.
Collaborate for wraparound care. Work side by side with clinical staff, Elders, family peer supporters, schools, outreach teams, and hospitals to weave a seamless network of care.
Amplify youth voice. Act as a liaison between local youth, Foundry Ridge Meadows, and the provincial Youth Peer Engagement Coordinator—sharing insights that improve services system wide.
Keep clear records. Document visits and progress in our electronic record system so every team member can provide coordinated, strengths focused support.
Learn and lead. Take part in Foundry wide learning circles, peer support training, and knowledge exchange events—bringing new ideas back to the centre.
WHAT YOU BRING
• A diploma in a related human or social services field (e.g., social work, child and youth care, psychology, Indigenous studies, community support); experience supporting youth or young adults with mental health and/or substance use challenges would be definite asset, whether as an employee or a volunteer
• Lived or living experience with mental health and/or substance use challenges, with the ability to self-identify and share your recovery journey in a way that supports and uplifts others
• Empathy, cultural humility and an unwavering belief in young people’s strengths and self-determination
• Comfort supporting neurodiverse, 2SLGBTQIA+, Indigenous, racialized, rural/remote, or disabled youth from a place of shared experience
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
• Clear Criminal Record Check is required
• Current First Aid & CPR Certification
• Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License and access to a reliable vehicle with appropriate insurance
• Annual driver’s abstract
• Position requires union membership (CUPE)
Shift/Schedule/Hours per week: 24 hours per week, schedule to be determined
Expected Start Date: ASAP
Wage/Salary: starting at $27.54/hour
Grid Level: 11