Peer Supporter (2026/27)

Peer Supporter – Student Opportunity for 2026/27

Start Date – August 2026

Contract End – April 30, 2027

The NAIT Students' Association (NAITSA) is hiring Peer Supporters for the academic year.

Peer Support is an anonymous and confidential supportive listening service, for students by students. Peer Supporters provide a non-judgemental listening service, help students explore next steps, and offer referrals to appropriate campus and community resources when longer-term or professional support may be needed.

This role is well-suited for students who are empathetic, emotionally grounded, and able to maintain clear boundaries while supporting others.

About the Role

A trained Peer Supporter listens without judgment and provides supportive, respectful conversations in a confidential setting. Peer Supporters do not provide counselling or advice, but instead help students feel heard, explore options, and connect with appropriate resources. Peer Supporters receive 32+ hours of training in supportive listening.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Benefits & Wellness Specialist, responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Maintaining confidentiality and discretion during all Peer Support sessions
• Remaining unbiased and non-judgemental during Peer Support shifts and sessions, both in-person and via LiveChat
• Providing calm, supportive listening sessions while maintaining professional boundaries
• Keeping the Peer Support room tidy, welcoming, and respectful
• Participating in regular role-play sessions to strengthen listening and support skills
• Attending supervisor check-ins (1–2 per term)
• Attending all mandatory team meetings (approximately 4 per academic year)
• Assisting the Wellness Specialist with program brainstorming and event planning
• Promote the Peer Support service at campus events and information booths, such as NAIT Student Orientation, Service Fair, and hallway pop-ups
• Attending required training sessions and workshops (some evenings and weekends may be required)
• Completing assigned training activities and program-related tasks

Qualifications and Considerations

Eligibility and Availability:

• Must be a current NAIT student enrolled for the full 2026/27 academic year, until at least April 2027
• Must be available for shifts during operating hours (typically between 9:00am – 3:00pm, Monday to Friday)
• Must be available for shifts during peak periods including NAIT Student Orientation and Service Fair, as well as mandatory training days (to be confirmed during the interview)

Skills and Experience:

• Empathy and compassion. Listening skills will be trained, but candidates must demonstrate the ability to empathize with others' experiences and provide respectful, non-judgmental support
• Emotional resilience and the ability to remain composed during sensitive or emotional conversations
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to follow established protocols, maintain boundaries, and escalate concerns appropriately
• Strong time management and organizational skills

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift and carry items of about 30lbs

Assets (Not Required):

• Mental Health First Aid certification

Hours and Compensation

This is a part-time position, with hours varying week-to-week based on availability and operational needs. 

• Expected hours: Minimum commitment of 3–6 hours per week
• Wage: $18 per hour

Working Conditions

• Peer Support is offered both on campus (J209B) and online via LiveChat. Successful candidates must be available to work on-campus
• NAITSA's office is a dog-friendly workplace, and certified PAWSS dogs may be present in the workspace at times. Applicants are encouraged to contact HR to discuss accommodation needs at any stage of the recruitment or employment process

Confidentiality of the Peer Support Program

Protecting student privacy and maintaining trust are essential to the Peer Support program. As a condition of employment, Peer Supporters are not permitted to publicly disclose their role to peers, including on social media, for the duration of their employment term.

During their term, Peer Supporters may state that they work for the NAITSA Service Hub and are welcome to include the experience on their resume.

Mandatory Training

As a condition of employment, successful candidates must attend all mandatory Peer Support training and successfully pass role-play assessments based on established criteria.

• Training consists of 4 full days (8.5 hours per day, inclusive of breaks) and one half-day
• Training may include weekend sessions (Saturday and Sunday) in August - exact dates are to be confirmed
• Failure to attend or successfully complete mandatory training will result in the candidate being deemed ineligible for employment in this role.

How to Apply

If you are interested in this opportunity, please complete the online application and upload your Resume and Cover Letter in PDF format. Cover letters and application responses should be written in the candidate's own words and not generated by AI or automated tools. Applications may be reviewed for originality as part of the assessment process.

Applications submitted without a cover letter will not be considered.

To demonstrate that you have carefully reviewed this posting, please address the following questions within your cover letter:

1. What interests you about working in Peer Support?
2. What strategies do you use for self-care?

You will receive a confirmation email once your application has been submitted. While we appreciate all applications, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Next Steps

• Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis
• Interviews are expected to begin in mid-April
• Interviews will take place on campus at the NAITSA office
• The start date for this role is August 2026

Interview Process

Candidates selected for an interview will be provided with an assignment to prepare and present during the interview. The assignment will focus on role-related skills and will not require sharing personal experiences.

Questions about accessibility or the application process?

Email for general employment inquiries or to request accommodations during the recruitment or hiring process. Please do not use this email to request updates on your application status.

Closing Date: Applications will be accepted until suitable candidates are found.

We look forward to seeing your application

Location

Edmonton, Alberta

Department

Admin/Service Hub

Employment Type

Part-time Term

Compensation

$18 per hour