Job Description

We are seeking a bi-lingual individual to join our team - English, Spanish, Arabic and/or Farsi In partnership with Niagara Region and Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario (YWHO), Bridges Niagara is seeking a passionate, responsible, and creative professional to serve as a Care Coordinator and Peer Support Worker for newcomer youth (ages 12-25). As part of the Youth Wellness Team, this role combines case management with lived/living experience of mental health and/or substance use to provide both practical support and peer-informed guidance. The Care Coordinator/Peer Support works collaboratively with youth and a multidisciplinary team to help identify goals, navigate services at the Niagara YWHO site and in the broader community, and build skills, connections, and continuity of care. This includes one-on-one and group-based support, as well as engagement with families, caregivers, and other service providers to ensure holistic, youth-centered care.

About YWHO:

YWHO supports local service providers to work together to provide young people in Ontario aged 12 to 25

with low barrier access to a full range of services, including mental health and substance use supports,

primary care, education, employment, housing, and other social services, all through youth-friendly access

points.

YWHO services are designed to improve experiences and outcomes for youth by:

Increasing access to rapid, low-barrier services; Reducing transitions by providing care in one location; and, Providing tailored, high-quality programs co-developed with youth to meet their needs.

Responsibilities:

Create and maintain a developmentally appropriate, non-judgmental, non-stigmatizing, safe, and welcoming hub atmosphere. Provide support that is consistent with YWHO values to youth, their families, and caregivers as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Work with youth and families to better understand their service needs and goals. Support a seamless experience of care for youth and families, including the transition between various service pathways internal to the Hub Network (Skills and Well-being, Community & Social Support, Clinical Services) as well as linking youth to resources in the community. Provide care coordination and community-based support to youth with a number of care providers, including case conferencing to ensure strong communication among the care team. Accompanying youth to appointments and providing warm transfer supports to youth referred to services both in the hub and service providers in the community. In collaboration with youth, support the use of YWHO standardized measures to provide mental health and substance use services, monitor progress, and improve youth outcomes (focus on measurement-based care). Participate in the YWHO Provincial Community of Practice for the Care Coordinator role. Promote and encourage youth engagement and positive youth development in care planning and establish goals by fostering therapeutic relationships. Develop strong relationships with community services to build referral pathways for young people looking for specific services and supports such as housing, education, financial supports, employment, legal, basic needs, mental health, substance use, and physical health. Maintain accurate youth records, including case note documentation, progress reports and all other functions within the electronic records management system.

Qualifications / Required Experience / Skills:

Lived/living experience as a young person with mental health and/or substance use challenges, which may include experience as a recipient of mental health and/or substance use services, is required. Undergraduate degree/diploma preferred (psychology, social work, or relevant health or social science field). Registration with a professional body is considered an asset (College of Nurses of Ontario, Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers). 3-5 years of experience in healthcare or the social services sectors. 3-5 experience working with children, youth, families, and caregivers. Comprehensive knowledge of issues related to substance use, concurrent disorders, mental health, trauma, and recovery. Knowledge of the impact of social/cultural/economic factors on the determinants of health. Knowledge of community resources and services is considered an asset. Ability to work collaboratively within and across interdisciplinary teams and community partners. Familiarity with system navigation models and principles, an asset. Excellent communication skills (both written and oral). Ability to use strength-based problem solving, active listening, motivational interviewing, modeling, and other coaching strategies. Superior interpersonal, collaboration, facilitation, and negotiation skills. Demonstrated ability to work effectively independently and in a multi-disciplinary team environment. Provide services and support to youth and their families in a way that is consistent with the values of the YWHO model. Proficiency in English, Spanish, Arabic, and/or Farsi Willingness to work occasional evenings and reliable access to a vehicle, as the role involves travel to multiple sites


Bridges Niagara embraces diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcomes applications from all qualified persons. Our goal is to attract and engage highly talented employees from diverse backgrounds, allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences, perspectives, and skill sets. In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, accommodation will be provided at any point throughout the hiring process. Please inform us in advance to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation.

Deadline to apply is on August 28th by 11:59 p.m. Apply ONLY by email to: recruitment@bridgesniagara.ca quoting "Care Coordinator/Peer Support" position in the subject line of your email.



Please detail in your cover letter and resume how your experience, education, language proficiencies, professional development, and career goals align with this position. We thank all applicants for their time and interest in our organization; however, only those selected for an interview will be notified. No phone, in-person, or online inquiries please.

About Bridges Niagara:

Bridges Niagara (Formerly The Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre) is a charitable, not-for-profit organization incorporated as the Folk Arts Council of St. Catharines in 1970. Its mandate is to support and assist the ethnocultural and newcomer community in Niagara through a broad range of programs and services.