Peer Support Worker - Mobile Counselling Van

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 – Permanent Full Time – Peer Support Worker, Youth Mental Health Fund (Mobile Counselling Van).

We are currently seeking a Peer Support Worker to join our Mobile Counselling Van 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 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 Black and Indigenous youth in rural and small urban communities who experience unique mental health challenges.
• 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 one-on-one emotional and practical support to youth in an individual and group setting; facilitate peer-led groups that promote community and connection.
• Support 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, upholding principles of harm reduction, cultural humility, and trauma-informed care in all interactions.
• Facilitate community engagement and outreach through connecting with organizations, schools, and service providers to increase awareness and access to the program.
• Support a crisis team in the event of an urgent mobile response to a community need.
• Travel throughout Dufferin County to provide accessible, low-barrier support to youth; travel may occur within a variety of weather conditions within a large-sized vehicle.

Qualifications:

• Degree or Diploma in Child and Youth Care, Social Work, Psychology, Addiction and Mental Health.
• 2+ years of experience working with youth along their wellness journey with emphasis on providing peer support or/or group facilitation in a formal or informal capacity, with strength in building rapport with youth.
• We value applicants who identify as Black or Indigenous who have personal experience with mental health and/or substance use challenges, as these perspectives offer meaningful insight into youth experiences and systemic barriers. This lived experience is considered a significant asset to the role.
• 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.
• Availability to work flexible hours; evening and weekend shifts will be required.
• Ability to travel within Dufferin County in various weather conditions; comfortability operating large vehicle required.
• 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 Tuesday, September 22, 2026 to hr@dcafs.on.ca quoting reference number 2026-025.

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.

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, Various Locations.

Reports To: Manager, Clinical Services (Youth Engagement & Outreach).

Hours of Work: 33 hours per week, Monday to Friday, Flexibility to work afternoons, evenings, and some weekends Required.

Job Grade: $52,000-$69,000.