Peer Support Worker, Black Justice Program

Department:Programs & Community Services

Affiliation:Unionized Position

Reports To:Program Manager, Black Justice Program

Location:Tropicana Community Services - with travel across program sites in the GTAHours: Part-timeExtended Hours:Based on program and operational needs

About the Organization

For more than 45 years, Tropicana Community Services (TCS) has been empowering youth, newcomers, seniors, and families throughout the Greater Toronto Area. As one of Canada’s leading Black-led and Black-serving (B3) organizations, TCS delivers a range of culturally responsive programs in education, employment, food security, youth development, and community well-being.

Our mission is to help individuals and families achieve their potential through programs that build confidence, promote self-sufficiency, and strengthen community connections.

Position Overview

The Peer Support Worker, Black Justice Program provides direct, relationship-based support to youth and young adults (ages 12–29) who have been involved with the criminal justice system, incarceration, or high-risk activity, including gang involvement, auto theft and jewelry theft rings, and other high-risk activity in or out of town. Working alongside the Social Worker and reporting to the Program Manager, Black Justice Program, the Peer Support Worker draws on lived experience, credibility within the community, and current knowledge of youth culture and social media trends to build trust with youth, model positive pathways, and support their reintegration into community, education, and employment.

Areas of Responsibility:

Direct Peer Support

• Build authentic, trusting relationships with youth engaged in the program, drawing on shared lived experience where applicable.
• Provide one-on-one mentorship, encouragement, and practical support to youth navigating reintegration, including accompanying youth to appointments, court dates, school, or employment activities as needed.
• Act as a positive, relatable role model, helping youth vision and work toward pathways out of gang involvement, theft rings, and other high-risk activity.
• Support youth in developing life skills, coping strategies, and goal setting related to education, employment, and community connection.
• Respond to youth in crisis or high-risk situations, escalating to the Social Worker or Program Manager as required.

Community & Digital Engagement

• Maintain current knowledge of community dynamics, neighborhood-level youth networks, and emerging risks, including activity connected to gangs and theft rings.
• Monitor and understand relevant social media trends, platforms, and online youth culture to identify engagement opportunities and emerging risks, including online recruitment or escalation of conflict.
• Conduct outreach in the community and online to engage youth who may not otherwise access services, including youth involved in high-risk activity outside the immediate service area.
• Support the development of youth-facing communications and social media content that reflects authentic youth voice and community relevance.
• Represent the program at community events, outreach activities, and youth-facing engagements.

Program & Team Contribution

• Collaborate with the Social Worker to ensure a coordinated, wraparound approach to each youth's care.
• Contribute case notes, youth feedback, and engagement data to support the Project Evaluator in tracking program KPIs.
• Participate in regular supervision, team meetings, and case consultations with the Program Manager and program team.
• Bring forward emerging community trends, risks, and youth feedback to inform program planning and adaptation.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to all relevant Tropicana Community Services policies and professional boundaries.

Skills & Qualifications

• Understanding of the justice system, incarceration, gang involvement, or high-risk activity is required.
• Strong knowledge of community dynamics, neighborhood youth networks, and current social media trends and platforms used by youth.
• Demonstrated credibility and trust within the communities served, with an established ability to engage youth who are hesitant to access formal services.
• Peer support training/certification, or a diploma or certificate in Social Service Work, Child and Youth Care, or a related field, is an asset but not required.
• Sound judgment and the ability to recognize and respond appropriately to safety-sensitive or high-risk situations.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to anti-Black racism, anti-oppression, and culturally responsive practice.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including some evenings, to align with youth availability and community activity.
• Valid driver's license and access to a vehicle are considered an asset, given travel across program sites and GTA.

What We Offer

• Career growth and development opportunities
• A chance to play an active role in giving back to your community
• Employee Assistance Program

Although we appreciate each application, only those candidates being considered for the position will be contacted.

Tropicana Community Services commits to promoting inclusion, diversity, equity and access (IDEA) through its information and support, advocacy, programming, internal policies, and governance structures. Tropicana Community Services will aim to ensure that our staff reflect the experience, skills and diversity of the communities we serve and create an inclusive, barrier-free work environment, beginning with the recruitment process. If you have restrictions that need to be accommodated to fully participate in any phase of the recruitment process, please contact Human resources. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.