Peer Worker in Guelph, Ontario at Wyndham House

Job Title: Peer Worker (Unionized Position)

Reports to: Manager of Health and Education

Position Type: Permanent Part time.

Compensation: Starting at $26.39 and Health Spending Account

Schedule: Sunday – Wednesday, 10AM-4PM.

What is Wyndham House:

Wyndham House is an organization that provides young people 16 to 25 with a spectrum of support and services needed to overcome challenging times and difficult problems related to housing and mental health. Wyndham House programs include two Permanent Supportive Housing Programs, an Emergency Shelter, a Housing Stability Outreach Team, an Integrated Youth Service Hub and a Care and Treatment Day Program. Wyndham House is a fast-paced and growing organization that works to prevent, reduce, and end youth homelessness, as part of the Built for Zero change effort, which is working to end chronic homelessness in Canada. Wyndham House provides high-quality case management, housing, and clinical support to youth with a variety of needs and complexities.

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Manager of Health and Education, the Peer Worker will provide peer support, recovery-oriented assistance, and meaningful connection to youth accessing Wyndham House services. Drawing on their own lived experience with mental health and/or substance use challenges, the Peer Worker will support youth in building confidence, developing skills, advocating for themselves, and working toward their personal goals.

This position is primarily based at the Youth Concurrent Hub from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Monday-Wednesday, and across Wyndham House Programs on Sunday, and works closely with the Site Coordinator and the broader HART Hub team. The Peer Worker provides an additional staff presence at the Hub, supports daily programming and youth engagement, and helps create a welcoming, safe, and supportive environment.

We recognize that lived experience is a valuable strength. The successful candidate does not need to have all the answers or have everything figured out. Their ability to connect with youth, share their perspective when appropriate, and support young people in recognizing their own strengths is what makes this role meaningful. The Peer Worker will work collaboratively with an established team and receive support and guidance in their role.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Use lived experience with mental health and/or substance use challenges to support youth in advocating for themselves, building confidence, and working toward their personal goals.
• Build positive relationships with youth through non-judgmental, respectful, professional, and welcoming communication.
• Maintain a consistent presence at the Youth Concurrent Hub from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., providing an additional staff presence and opportunities for youth to connect, access support, and participate in programming.
• Work closely with the Site Coordinator and HART Hub team to support daily operations, youth engagement, programming, and service delivery.
• Develop and facilitate youth-centred programming, including life skills, independent living, employment readiness, wellness, and other skills-based activities.
• Provide individual peer support and participate in facilitating groups and community-based activities.
• Coordinate and facilitate Youth Advisory Committee meetings, supporting youth leadership and ensuring youth voices and perspectives help inform programming and services.
• Provide harm reduction information, supplies, and Naloxone training.
• Share relevant information about local substance use trends, harm reduction practices, and community resources with coworkers.
• Work collaboratively with HART Hub staff on case management initiatives, referrals, and connecting youth to appropriate services and supports.
• Support youth with job searching, resume development, employment readiness, and independent living skills.
• Maintain accurate and timely daily documentation, including case notes, client interactions, programming activities, and follow-up.
• Support youth in developing strategies to prevent relapse or crisis and provide appropriate support and connections when challenges arise.
• Participate in HART Hub team meetings, Youth Advisory Committee activities, ongoing professional development, supervision, and mandatory training.
• Complete administrative responsibilities, including personal expense claims and other required documentation.

Skills and Requirements – What will you bring to Wyndham House?

• Lived experience and/or knowledge of recovery from mental health and/or substance use challenges.
• Lived experience or knowledge of housing instability, homelessness, poverty, or other structural barriers.
• Personal knowledge of the mental health and/or substance use system and the ability to share this knowledge appropriately and professionally.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to initiate conversations, build rapport, and develop trusting relationships with youth.

• Excellent communication and active listening skills, with the ability to engage others in a respectful and non-judgmental manner.
• Positive energy, enthusiasm, and an interest in engaging and supporting young people.
• Understanding of confidentiality, privacy, professional boundaries, and the importance of self-care.
• Dependable, accountable, and able to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Ability to follow direction, give and receive feedback, and engage in proactive problem-solving.
• Ability to work independently while recognizing when to seek support and guidance from coworkers and supervisors.
• Post-secondary education in social services, health sciences, or a related discipline is considered an asset. Equivalent lived experience, knowledge, and/or education will be considered.
• Access to a vehicle and $2 million liability insurance is considered an asset.
• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.

Please Note: a cover letter is required following a resume, which outlines the skills and experience you bring to this position.

Wyndham House values inclusivity and diversity in the workplace. We welcome and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds. We are committed to providing accessible employment practices that are in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. (AODA). If you require an accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please notify admin@wyndhamhouse.org

All Wyndham House employees must have received or be willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccinations by the date of hire to be considered for any position.

While we thank all applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Any information obtained during recruitment will be used for employment recruitment purposes only, and not for any other purpose