Dufferin Child and Family Services is a multi-service agency providing Children's Mental Health, Child Protection and Developmental Support.
The agency currently requires a: 1 - 12 Month Contract - Peer Support Worker.
We are currently seeking a Peer Support Worker who identifies as 2SLGBTQ+ to join our Youth Wellness Hub team. In this role, you'll use your lived experience to foster connection, reduce stigma, and support youth as they navigate their wellness journeys. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to transformative, integrated care for youth in our community.
You are seeking:

• A dynamic and unique professional opportunity to provide support to youth aged 12-25 experiencing mental health, substance use, and/or other challenges.
• A pivotal opportunity to focus on engaging and supporting 2SLGBTQ+ youth in the community who experience unique challenges related to mental health
• An opportunity to work in a progressive, multiservice agency.

We are seeking an innovative individual with the ability to:

• Create a safe and inclusive environment by fostering a welcoming, identity-affirming space that reflects the diversity of youth in Dufferin County.
• Provide individual and group peer support through one-on-one emotional and practical support to youth and facilitate peer-led groups that promote community and connection.
• Navigate services by supporting youth in accessing mental health, primary care, housing, education, and social services within DCAFS and through community partners.
• Contribute to youth-led planning and evaluation through engaging with youth to design, implement, and review Hub services, ensuring they reflect the needs and voices of young people.
• Practice through a harm reduction and anti-oppressive lens, ensuring principles of harm reduction, cultural humility, and trauma-informed care in all interactions is upheld.
• Facilitate community engagement and outreach through connecting with organizations, schools, and service providers to increase awareness and access to the Youth Wellness Hub.

Qualifications:

• Degree or Diploma in Chid and Youth Care, Social Work, Psychology, Addiction and Mental Health.
• Lived experience as a young person with mental health and/or substance use challenges and lived experience as a 2SLGBTQ+ Young Adult. Your personal journey through mental health systems, identity development, or systemic barriers brings unique value to this role.
• Experience providing peer support or/or group facilitation in a formal or informal capacity, with strength in building rapport with youth.
• Strong self-awareness, self-care practices and can establish and maintain professional relationships with youth
• Strong communication and relational skills with the ability to build trust, listen deeply, and support youth with empathy and respect.
• Team-Oriented with ability to take initiative and work independently
• Possess a valid driver's license with access to a vehicle.
  

If you are interested in this job opportunity, please apply by email on or before Monday August 25, 2025 to [email protected] quoting reference number 2025-017.
As an employer committed to employment equity and accessibility for persons with disabilities, we encourage applications from members of equity-seeking communities including racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, women, and persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions. Our hiring framework is founded in equity, truth and reconciliation, anti-black racism, and anti-oppressive practices.
DCAFS is committed to providing a recruitment and selection process that is both inclusive and free from barriers. Accommodations for job applicants with disabilities are available upon request and will be provided in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
DCAFS requires all employees, contractors, students, and volunteers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, absent of a valid medical exemption.
Applicants are required, in advance, to make any accommodation request known to Human Resources by contacting the department at (519) 941-1530 and Human Resources will strive to provide reasonable and appropriate accommodation for all applicants during the recruitment and selection process, which will ensure the process, is conducted in a fair and equitable manner.
Thank you for your interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Role Location: Dufferin County.Reports to: Manager, Child & Youth Mental Health.Hours of Work: 33 hours per week, 5 days per week.Salary Range: $46,000-$56,000.