Friends of Ruby is dedicated to the journey and well-being of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, aged 16-29 through mental health services, social services, and housing. Friends of Ruby offers Youth Mental Health services, a Youth Drop-In Centre, and a Transitional Home. The Centre provides access to barrier-free counselling and therapeutic groups, case management and a drop-in space with hot meals, community, and comprehensive programming. The Home provides transitional and emergency housing, mental health, and life-skills to support youth moving towards independent living.    

Friends of Ruby recognize that a diverse work force is critical to accomplishing our mission. Our goal is to attract and develop incredibly talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives. We strongly encourage applicants from the 2SLGBTQIA+, Allies, BIPOC and ACB communities, and diverse backgrounds that meet the requirements of the role. 

Position Summary

The Peer Facilitator (Befriending Ourselves) will support the clinical team at Friends of Ruby’s Drop-In Centre in planning and facilitating the Befriending Ourselves Group. This group is designed to provide trans, non-binary, and/or gender non-conforming participants with a space to explore their gendered experiences and relationship with their selves. The group also focuses on exploring coping strategies and fostering a supportive community among individuals with shared experiences.

Responsibilities

• Co-facilitate Befriending Ourselves with one member of the Friends of Ruby clinical team.
• Share lived experience within the guidelines of peer support values.
• Provide check-ins with group members within group meeting times.
• Support group members in adhering to the group guidelines and comfort agreement.
• Attend weekly supervision meeting with member of clinical team.
• Follow strict confidentiality guidelines.
• Support co-facilitators with planning and post-group debrief meetings.

This position requires a commitment of 3 hours/week for 10 weeks. During the first week, the three hours will be spent meeting with your co-facilitator to plan for the group and engaging in supervision to review peer support values and guidelines. During the last week, the three hours will be spent de-briefing from the group, exploring learnings from facilitating the group, and engaging in supervision with a member of the clinical team. Your hours during weeks 2-9 will be structured as follows:

• 90 minutes for co-facilitating the group.
• 1 hour for supervision/debrief with a member of the clinical team after the group.
• 30 minutes for other administrative tasks, including email communication with your co-facilitator.

Qualifications

• Previous experience engaging in group or individual mental health support services (including individual therapy or peer support groups).
• Group facilitation experience is an asset.
• Lived experience as a member of the trans, non-binary, and/or gender non-conforming community.
• A champion for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion & ARAO, including but not limited to:
  • Ability to navigate and communicate effectively in diverse environments.
  • Understanding of the broader social and cultural contexts that impact DEI efforts.
  • Understanding of equity issues and a commitment to promoting fairness and equality.
  • Excellent communication skills with an emphasis on inclusive language.
• Satisfactory clearance under the Vulnerable Sector Police Check Program.
• Legally eligible to work in Canada.

Friends of Ruby is dedicated to fostering an inclusive selection process and work environment, guided by the Employment Equity Policies. If selected for an interview, please inform the People and Culture team of any accommodation you may require during the interview process.