Youth Services Peer Support Worker

K ʷ U K ʷ LIW ̓ T L ̓ NQMAPLQS | WE LIVE AT HEAD OF THE LAKE

Located within the unceded territory of the syilx people, the Okanagan Indian Band is comprised of six reserves located in the North Okanagan.
Come join the OKIB Team and enjoy all that the beautiful Okanagan Valley has to offer, including a great climate, stunning scenery, world-class ski resorts, golf courses, wineries and beaches.

The OKIB offers a welcoming team environment and a rewarding job experience. You can expect a supportive work environment and a total compensation package which includes:

• 3 Weeks' Vacation Pay
• Extended Health and Dental Benefits
• Employer Matched Pension Plan
• 15 Statutory Holidays
• Paid Winter Holiday Break
• Cultural Leave
• Discounted Silver Star lift passes
• Retention Bonuses after years of service
• 15 Paid Sick Days
• Paid Personal Leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional Development Opportunities

Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week

Start Date: ASAP

Deadline for applications: February 26, 2026

JOB SUMMARY
The Youth Services Peer Support Worker uses their lived experience as a young person who has navigated challenges (e.g., system involvement, mental health, cultural disconnection) to support other youth on their healing journey. The role helps youth feel seen, heard and empowered through peer mentorship and cultural connection.

REPORTING STRUCTURE
Reports to the Youth Services Team Lead.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Build strong peer relationships with youth through shared experiences and culturally safe mentorship
• Offer hope, encouragement, and guidance to youth facing hardship, isolation, or stigma
• Co-facilitate youth programs, cultural activities, workshops, and land-based outings to promote engagement and learning
• Provide outreach and follow-up with youth between formal appointments or programs to maintain connection and support
• Assist with transportation for youth to attend events, programs, and appointments as needed.
• Share personal experiences appropriately to help youth with goal-setting, problem-solving, and resilience-building
• Encourage pride in identity, language, culture, and Indigenous worldviews in all interactions.
• Collaborate with team members, attend planning meetings, and participate in program debriefs
• Model healthy boundaries, accountability, and self-care practices for youth
• Meet with youth one-on-one to provide mentorship, encouragement, and guidance
• Assist in planning and delivering recreational, cultural, and wellness activities that promote holistic well-being
• Support youth participation in leadership opportunities and community decision-making
• Help youth navigate challenges related to school, friendships, and family life through advocacy and mentorship
• Maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and accurate documentation of program activities and youth progress
• Perform all duties & responsibilities in accordance with the OKIB policies & procedures
• All persons employed by the OKIB may be required to assist the Band in providing emergency services. Duties assigned during an emergency may differ from regular duties
• Participates in community events as requested
• Performs other duties as required

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR
You have education, experience, or an equivalent combination may be considered. You are community-minded, detail-oriented, have a willingness to contribute to a team and an excellent communicator.

Education

• Diploma in a Social Services program and successful completion of a recognized Peer Support Training program preferred
• Certificates in Mental Health First Aid, CPR or willingness to obtain
• Valid BC Driver's licence, Class 5 and reliable vehicle
• Valid Criminal record Check with vulnerable Sector Check
• Consideration will be given to those with a combination of education and experience

Experience

• Lived experience as an Indigenous youth or young adult who has overcome adversity
• Computer skills including the ability to operate spreadsheet and word-processing programs
• Demonstrated involvement in cultural, community or peer support initiatives
• Experience working with confidential information
• Knowledge of local community resources and services
• Experience working with First Nations communities

Competencies (KSAs & Desired Attributes)

• Possesses cultural appropriateness and sensitivity towards OKIB and Community
• Willingness to work with diverse First Nations populations with Mental Health and Substance Use related issues and to recognize and respond appropriately to the needs of the peers and clients – in support of local First Nations communities and their Mental Health and Wellness teams
• Willingness to learn and share with client and colleagues:principles of recovery in mental illness and crisis intervention, peer-run programs,Mental Health and Substance Use, recovery principles and treatment including methadone and suboxone, Mental health and addictions resources and community services that can be recommended to clients, Knowledge and skills of advocacy, empowerment, and mental health recovery principles
• Ability to understand and follow a strength-based approach for sharing challenges and co-creating solutions
• Ability to adjust to new or unexpected events, analyze complex situations, problem-solve, think critically and deal effectively with conflict situations
• Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, facilitate and monitor program progress across the sub-region
• Ability to provide direction and demonstrated ability of facilitation skills
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to work independently and in cooperation with others
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position
• Team oriented approach to leadership and a commitment to a peer driven process
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a member of a virtual interdisciplinary team.
• Values and recognizes diversity among First Nation, Inuit and Metis communities including differently abled and LGBTQ2S populations

CLASSIFICATION/PAY SCALE
$ $31.00/hour dependant on education and experience.

Please send resume, cover letter and references in any one of two ways:

Email:
Mail or drop off: 12420 Westside Road, Vernon, BC V1H 2A4
If you have accessibility needs, please contact Hollie Lachuk @ ext

The successful applicant will be required to provide a Criminal Record Check that includes the vulnerable sector and three references

Preference will be given to qualified Aboriginal Applicants as per section 41 of the Human Rights Code.

Education : College, CEGEP or other non-university certificate or diploma from a program of 1 year to 2 years

Experience : 1 to less than 7 months