Title: Peer Outreach Worker
Department: Violence to Resilience
Reports to: NSTAY Team Lead
Classification: Full Time, Salaried, Non-Management
Hours: Typically (37.5/week) however, this position will require after hours on-call time
Deadline: August 4, 2026
Location: This role will be based out of Halifax, NS, but encourage applicants from all regions of NS
Salary: Starts at $50,000/year
Other: Must have a valid driver’s license, 2M liability insurance and consistent access to a reliable vehicle. There will be 2 weeks of initial training in HRM.
YWCA Halifax is a progressive, multi-service, not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of women, girls, two-spirited and gender diverse people and their families at critical turning points in their lives. We work to transform lives by providing a continuum of services and programs that drive lasting positive change. We strive to change the underlying issues that are root causes of inequality, violence, poverty, and homelessness. Our four program focus areas include: promoting the health, wellness, and leadership of women and girls; advancing women’s economic and housing security; delivering quality, accessible, early learning, and childcare; and working to end violence against women, girls and gender diverse individuals.
Why work for the YWCA
Staff at YWCA Halifax enjoy a supportive and dynamic team environment, a commitment to staff growth, a connection to the national and international YWCA movements, learning from colleagues in a multiservice agency, and a strong shared vision.
Why YOU should apply
Even if you don’t have all the requirements listed in this position, you may be the right candidate. If you are a natural leader with a strong attention to detail and a passion for social justice and gender equity, we want to hear from you. Take a chance and apply. Tell us how you can make a difference through your YWCA.
Program Overview
NSTAY is a program which provides exploited/trafficked youth with wraparound support and connects them with the services they need. NSTAY has been developed with a trauma-informed lens and takes a harm-reduction approach. It is a non-judgmental program and incorporates promising practices from across Canada and is informed by those with experience of exploitation within the sex trade.
The YWCA Halifax is seeking a peer support worker who has previously been involved with the sex trade to join our dynamic team and be a crucial component of the Nova Scotia Transition and Advocacy for Youth (NSTAY) program.
Role of the Peer Outreach Worker
- Providing one-on-one client support to youth 13+, including: Meeting accompaniment, Court support, Systems Navigation, Crisis Management, Community, Leisure and Social activity planning, and Collaborative case management
- Completing and maintaining appropriate administrative logs, including participant contact forms and case notes
- Engage in community outreach with partners and service providers across Nova Scotia, this may require provincial travel
- Engagement in the Trafficking and Exploitation Service Systems (TESS) partnerships
- In consultation with the Department of Community Services, the Peer Outreach workers will engage in community outreach /programming with residential facilities across the province of Nova Scotia.
- Must be available for emergency and on-call duties
Qualifications and Requirements
- ***The Peer Outreach Worker will previously have been involved in the sex trade and have successfully exited for at least 3 years- we recognize the diverse range of experiences in this area and are looking for self-identification of involvement in the sex trade in the variety of ways it exists.***
- Experience working in a peer support role
- Experience working with people from diverse cultural, social and economic backgrounds
- Good communication skills: provide support and encouragement and accurately maintain written logs
- Experience working with youth
- Knowledge of community-based, trauma-informed, and harm reduction practices are an asset
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- Flexible, adaptable, and able to work in an environment that is not always predictable
- Must be able to provide a current Child Abuse Registry and Criminal Record check with a Vulnerable Sector check upon hiring
YWCA Halifax is committed to diversity, and we welcome all suitably qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. YWCA Halifax is governed by, employs, and serves diverse individuals and community members. Self-identification by applicants does not guarantee an interview but we want you to know that we understand that lived experience of racialization, Indigeneity, disAbility, and gender diversity are their own knowledge and expertise. We value this expertise and consider it as we discern who to interview.
If interested, please submit your cover letter and resume in one document.
Pay: $50,000.00-$55,000.00 per year
Application question(s):
- Are you legally entitled to work in Canada?
Work Location: In person
