Peer Support Coordinator (Work Learn)

The Alma Mater Society (AMS) is the University of British Columbia’s (UBC) student society, and works to improve the academic, social and personal lives of the 56,000 UBC students at its Vancouver campus. The AMS also runs nine food and beverage outlets, a catering and conference operation, and the AMS Student Nest, providing on-campus employment opportunities and generating revenue that goes directly back into supporting the students at UBC.

Position title:                   Peer Support Coordinator (Work Learn)

Department:                     Student Services

Supervisor:                      Senior Manager, Student Services 

Employee status:            Term, Appointed 

Hours Per Week:              20

Salary / Wage:                  $21.77 per hour

Anticipated Start Date:   May 1, 2025

Description

The AMS Services’ main mandate to offer services and resources to the membership which are in significant demand and aim to further the well-being of the membership as a whole. 

Each of these Services are run by a Coordinator, and in some instances, with the help of Assistant Coordinator(s). 

Each of the Coordinators will be overseen on a daily basis by the Senior Manager, Student Services, a full-time, permanent, non-student role. 

The Peer Support Coordinator manages and oversees the newly merged AMS Peer Support Service (previously AMS Speakeasy and AMS Vice) – a volunteer-based service providing peer support, resources, and crisis referrals to all registered students at UBC, as well as a low barrier harm reduction service founded on the ideals of creating an inclusive environment for all students who face issues around substance use patterns and need support.  

Responsibilities:

• Develop and facilitate 150 hours of comprehensive and on-going volunteer training, including a week long training period, by working with AMS Services leadership in working with external guest speakers and trainers from within UBC and externally who specialize in mental health, substance use, harm reduction, with a focus on training peers to support peers.  

• Oversee, delegate, and provide direction to the AMS Peer Support Assistant Coordinators 

• Participate in on-campus collaborative events (AMS/UBC Mental Health Network, UBC THRIVE, Bell Let’s Talk, Student Leadership Conference) 

• Coordinate the recruitment, hiring and training of the volunteer teams, which includes the following positions: Team Leaders, peer support and marketing outreach volunteers, and peer support volunteers.  

• Facilitate bi-weekly staff meetings, oversee project meetings, team leader meetings, and outreach Team Meetings 

• Working with their Peer Support Assistant Coordinators, conduct regular performance reviews for all Volunteers in coordination with Team Leaders 

• Working with the AMS HR department, maintain Volunteer files, disciplinary documentation, and attendance records 

• Provide reference letters and verifiers to Volunteers upon request  

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key individuals at UBC, which may include UBC Counseling for training and strong referrals  

• Represent Peer Support in collaborative efforts with other organizations on campus (e.g. Mental Health Network) 

• Liaise with other mental health/wellness organizations both on and off-campus 

• Ensure the Service operationally works within established AMS confidentiality policies.   

• Work with the AMS Marketing and Outreach Coordinator in developing successful outreach initiatives to advertise and promote the Service. These may include promotional initiatives, workshops, mental health awareness events etc.  

• Post and attend regular office hours 

• Attend bi-weekly Services team meetings 

• Attend weekly 1-on-1 meetings with the Senior Manager, Student Services 

• Using the designated AMS Services data analytics software, take ownership in the collection of data usage while maintaining AMS confidentiality policies.  

• Working with the AMS Services leadership, assist in the preparation a detailed budget for the following year, and manage the finances of the Service for the current fiscal year based on budgeted allocations.  

• Prepare a transition package (manual, report and position timeline) for the next Peer Support Coordinator.  

• Work within the AMS mission statement and values to operate a successful Service 

• Other duties as required  

Qualifications

• Must be a currently registered student at UBC Vancouver or one of its affiliatiated colleges 
• Experience in peer support is required. Prior involvement with AMS Peer Support or an equivalent organization is strongly preferred 
• Supervisory or managerial experience is strongly preferred 
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and public speaking skills 
• Ability to collaborate and work in a team environment as well as independently 
• Experience with budgeting, scheduling and administrative tasks 
• Strong organizational and time management skills 
• Familiar with Microsoft Office 
• Demonstrated leadership skills 
• Must have strong knowledge of peer counselling fundamentals including: confidentiality, active listening, client-centered support, benevolence, and anti-oppression frameworks 
• Knowledge of – and/or previous training in – relevant topics such as depression, anxiety, suicide intervention, relationship concerns, addictions, self-injury, and LGBTQ+ issues 
• Familiarity with harm reduction as a public health philosophy highly recommended 
• Background in facilitation, workshop development, and event planning an asset 
• Experience in interviewing and hiring staff or volunteers 
• Innovative and creative with an interest in improving the Service 

Eligibility: Must be a currently enrolled student at UBC Vancouver, eligible for the Work Learn program.

Experience Level: Current Students in an Undergraduate Program, Current Students in a Masters Program, Current Students in a Phd Program

To Apply:

Please submit your resume and cover letter. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a cover letter that explains their interest in the role and how their previous experience makes them a good candidate.

Application deadline: 11:59pm March 26, 2025 

At the AMS, we believe that a diverse workforce enriches our organization and we value individual life experiences, knowledge and self-expression that different people bring. We actively seek to create an environment where all employees, regardless of their background, race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, or any other characteristics, feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their best.

We warmly welcome and encourage individuals from any underrepresented group to apply for this position. We are dedicated to maintaining fair and inclusive practices in our hiring, promotion, and professional development processes to create the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.

Due to the large volume of resumes we receive at the AMS, we are only able to contact those we are interested in interviewing and cannot reply to email/phone/walk-in inquiries regarding application status.