Position Type - FT permanent 

Hours of Work per week - 35

Salary range:  $46,662 to $54,339 per annum 

Benefits:  We offer generous group employee benefits which includes:

• Comprehensive health, dental, vision coverage and EAP, premium fully paid by organization
• Life and disability insurance
• Defined Contribution Pension plan with employer matching up to 6% based on length of service
• Generous paid time off (Vacation, Sick and Float days)
• Pregnancy/Parental leave top-up
• Hybrid work flexibility
• Access to employee perks and discounts 

Union Position - This position is represented by OPSEU local 567. 

ABOUT US

Strides Toronto Support Services (“Strides Toronto”) Strides Toronto is a multi-service agency supporting infants, children, youth and young adults from birth to age 29, and their families, primarily across east Toronto. We offer community-based, residential and treatment programs—including mental health counselling, autism services, early intervention, day treatment, education, outreach and community support—using a client-centered, evidence-informed approach. Since 2015, Strides Toronto has served as Toronto’s Lead Agency for Infant, Child and Youth Mental Health, partnering with 21 core service providers to provide system leadership, citywide planning, coordinated service delivery and program alignment. Strides Toronto also leads initiatives with broader reach, including Help Ahead and the HOPE Strategy across Toronto and One Stop Talk/Parlons Maintenant and the Provincial Youth Outreach Worker Program across Ontario.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This is an existing vacancy for a full-time permanent Peer Support Worker, Anti-Human Trafficking (AHT). The Peer Support Worker will use their lived experience to provide relational, emotional, and practical support to female-identifying youth aged 12–17 who are survivors of sex trafficking and/or sexual exploitation in the Anti-Human Trafficking live-in treatment program. 

Rooted in a trauma-informed and survivor-centered approach, the Peer Support Worker will foster trust, model healthy relationships, and support youth in navigating their healing journeys. They will collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to co-facilitate and deliver trauma-informed, strength-based psychoeducation and activities related to topics such as gender-based violence, sexual exploitation, harm reduction, and personal empowerment, while centering the voices and choices of the youth.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Work collaboratively with the interdisciplinary care team to support education and awareness activities as they relate to sexual exploitation and sex trafficking.
• Drawing from lived experience and education, support survivors both one-on-one and in group settings on issues that may include substance use, mental health, trauma, and sexual abuse or exploitation.
• Work collaboratively with the interdisciplinary care team to implement and maintain client centered routines and structure that support the health and wellness needs of clients.
• Provide consistent social and emotional support to clients through empathetic listening, shared experience, and relationship-building, fostering a sense of safety, trust, and connection throughout their healing journey.
• Engage in professional development activities and document client information that is reflective of policy, accreditation, and MCCSS licensing standards.

THE “MUST HAVES”

The following education, professional memberships and knowledge are a requirement for this role: 

• Lived experience of childhood sexual exploitation and/or sex trafficking.
• A minimum of two years of general paid work experience and at least one year of volunteer experience, or equivalent.
• Relevant education is considered an asset, such as a diploma or degree in Social Service Work, Addictions and Mental Health, Community Work, or a related human services field.
• Displayed competencies of self-care practices, personal/professional boundaries and growth of interpersonal skills. 
• Awareness of the role of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) in the workplace and within the community being served by the position.
• An understanding of anti-black racism, anti-oppressive/anti-racism perspective in the context of the social determinants of health.
• Ability to recognize and identify situations where incidents of imbalance of power and privilege may occur and can result in possible negative impacts.

THE ‘NICE TO HAVES’

While not required, preference will be given to candidates with the following:

• Functional computer and client information system knowledge.
• Fluency in another language(s), including sign language.

BEFORE STARTING WITH US

As our work puts us in direct contact with youth and vulnerable persons in our community, with health and safety as a priority, the successful candidate must complete or obtain the following before commencement of their employment:

• A Broad Record Check
• A positive police check does not automatically disqualify an applicant for a position with Strides Toronto. The Police Check will be reviewed and evaluated for the purpose of making a decision on suitability for employment in relation to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position being filled. 
• Satisfactory completion of the Strides Toronto Health Assessment Form 

WHY JOIN OUR TEAM?

• We provide a competitive Group Health Benefits and Pension Plan. 
• We provide opportunities for growth and professional development.
• We are committed to providing an equitable and inclusive environment where our diverse team members and clients can thrive.
• We have a collaborative and supportive Senior Management Team.
• We set high standards for performance, client outcomes, and implement best practices, which are demonstrated through our accreditation with the Canadian Centre for Accreditation.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit a cover letter and resume outlining your demonstrated education, certification (if applicable), working and related volunteer experience and how you meet specific requirements for this position, and any additional considerations you deem appropriate. The application deadline is May 6, 2026.

Strides Toronto is an equal opportunity employer. We benefit from diversity of lived experiences in the workplace and encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Strides Toronto is a participant in the Government of Canada’s 50-30 Challenge, a program which challenges organizations to improve access for women and/or non-binary people and other equity-deserving groups, including those identifying as: racialized, Black, and/or people of colour, people with disabilities (including invisible and episodic disabilities), 2SLGBTQ+ and/or gender and sexually diverse individuals, and Aboriginal and/or Indigenous Peoples to increase the representation and inclusion of diverse groups within their workplace.

In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and Strides Toronto’s own policies, requests for accommodation will be considered throughout the hiring process.

This Anti-Human Trafficking Live-in Treatment program will provide 24/7 care to girls who have experienced gender-based violence and sexual exploitation, as such this position will prioritize applicants who identify as women or non-binary.

We thank all applicants however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.