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: 10 Temporary Part-time positions 

Closing date: Until Filled 

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. 

Hours & Location: 10 hours per week. Primarily based at an English as an Additional Language school, with some community or school‑based work. Hours are flexible. 

Roles 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 provides emotional support, shares lived experience, mentors, and connects 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: 

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 

The ability to speak more than one language would be considered an asset 

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 

Experience working or volunteering with youth or vulnerable populations is an asset 

Knowledge of local youth services and community resources is 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: 

Legal authorization to work in Canada  

Flexible schedule 

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/278

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.