Peer Support Worker, Complex Support Services

Peer Support Worker, Complex Support Services

As we serve vulnerable youth, all employees working for Covenant House Vancouver must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Proof of vaccination status will be required prior to your start date.

About Covenant House Vancouver

Since 1997, Covenant House Vancouver has provided relentless support for youth experiencing, or at-risk of experiencing, homelessness. We provide support to young people age 16 to 24 who have experienced a wide range of early life and ongoing, complex trauma; including physical, sexual and emotional abuse and neglect. Our purpose is to serve all youth with absolute respect, to help youth experiencing homelessness, and provide a safe and supportive environment for all youth in need.

Working at Covenant House will be one of the most meaningful things that you’ll do in your life. However, you will be confronted with significant issues in this work and frankly, this work is not for everyone. In the course of doing your work, particularly for those doing frontline work, you will be exposed to the trauma of others. The youth we serve may also experience overdose, physical harm perpetuated by self or others and even death.

Because we provide a relational model of care, the harms our youth experience can impact us in varying degrees.

While we provide training for youth workers on avoiding what we call vicarious trauma (namely, the trauma you can experience or take on by hearing other’s traumatic stories), and a generous allowance for counselling, it is still difficult work that can and does take its toll on many employees. Self-awareness and self-care are key. Some candidates and employees decide during the recruiting and probationary periods that this work isn’t for them, and that is totally fair.

We will provide more information on vicarious trauma during recruiting and on-boarding, to help you decide if Covenant House is the place for you.

The Impact the Peer Support Worker with the Complex Support Services Team can make:

Community Support Services

The Community Support Services (CSS) program at Covenant House Vancouver provides low-barrier, trauma-informed support to youth aged 16–24 who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. CSS offers a welcoming, inclusive space where youth can access essential services such as meals, showers, clothing, harm reduction supplies, and emotional support—without the need for appointments.

The program is designed to meet youth where they are at, whether they are actively using substances, seeking recovery, or navigating mental health challenges. Staff build trusting relationships through consistent, compassionate engagement, offering individualized support and connections. CSS also provides overdose prevention resources and ensures that all youth, regardless of their goals, have access to a safe, respectful, and affirming environment.

By centering youth voice and choice, the CSS program empowers young people to take steps toward stability, wellness, and self-defined success

Sanctuary Program

Sanctuary is a low-barrier shelter designed for youth whose substance use, co-occurring mental health and life circumstances have resulted in significant disconnection from most or all other services. This program exists for young people for whom more structured or goal setting programs options are no longer accessible or effective.

The goal of the program is to provide immediate safety and stabilization for youth who would otherwise be unsheltered. The intervention is rooted in a harm reduction approach with a focus on relationship-based care.

How you will contribute:

Youth Engagement & Peer Support:

Advocacy & Practical Support