Prospect Human Services

POSITION
Volunteer Peer Mentor

LOCATION
Edmonton

TYPE
Volunteer

APPLICATION DEADLINE
Ongoing

WHAT WE ARE SEEKING

When was the last time you worked with an organization with a real purpose? Not a slogan or a jingle. A purpose that actually made society better. Something that you could identify with from day one. Has it been a while? Never? Well, here’s your opportunity to be part of one!

Prospect is one of Alberta’s leading not-for-profits. We live by four words: Break barriers. Employ change. Yes, it’s right there under our logo. No, it’s not just a tag line. Anywhere people face barriers to employment, we’re there to help.

We are expanding our volunteer team and looking for enthusiastic people to join our Retail Mental Health Program. In this role, you will mentor individuals who are trying to re-enter the workforce after facing long-term unemployment or mental health challenges. Many of our participants receive provincial income support (like AISH). Our program helps them build skills and confidence through therapy, mentorship, on-the-job training, and long-term support once they find a job.

WHAT YOU WILL DO
Join our Team as a volunteer Peer Mentor!

Are you passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of others? Do you enjoy providing support, guidance, and encouragement? If so, we invite you to become a vital part of our team as a volunteer Peer Mentor.

We are seeking volunteer Peer Mentors to support participants within our retail-based mental health employment program, helping individuals build confidence, workplace skills, and community connection as they prepare for sustainable employment.

As a volunteer Peer Mentor, you will help strengthen participant engagement, confidence, and community connection. Rooted in the “Learn then Teach” principle, this role allows you to reinforce your own recovery and skill development while supporting others. Mentorship is reciprocal, building
trust, communication, and leadership skills for both mentor and mentee.

Volunteer Peer Mentors may come from three primary groups: program graduates, individuals from the target client population, and community members with relevant lived experience related to mental health recovery and employment barriers.

Lived experience with mental health is a foundational requirement for this role. By sharing their own journeys, volunteer Peer Mentors provide relatable examples that help clients see recovery and employment goals as achievable.

This is an in-person volunteer opportunity and requires participation in a retail store environment, including interacting with participants in real or simulated workplace settings.

In this role, you may:
• Provide One-on-One Mentorship: Offer emotional encouragement, practical advice, and real-time coaching throughout all phases of the program.
• Support Participants Across Environments: Guide to mentees in workshops, simulated workplace settings, and the retail art store.
• Foster Community and Wellness: Help reduce isolation, build motivation, and strengthen community connection.
• Provide Post-Placement Support: Maintain engagement with clients after employment placement to support long-term success and retention.
• Model Positive Behaviors: Demonstrate healthy workplace communication, professionalism, and interpersonal skills.
• Share Lived Experience: Use your personal experiences to build trust, understanding, and connection.
• Practice Active Listening: Provide compassionate, non-judgmental support to those who need someone to talk to.
• Guide Participants to Resources: Help individuals access relevant community services and supports.
• Support Goal Setting: Collaborate with participants to identify and work toward realistic personal and employment goals.
• Encourage Empowerment and Resilience: Support individuals in overcoming challenges and building confidence.

TIME COMMITMENT AND FLEXIBILITY
This is a flexible volunteer opportunity:
• You can contribute based on your availability
• Choose to support one participant or several
• Provide general availability and expected hours
Consistency and communication are important due to the evolving needs of participants.

HOW TO APPLY
To apply, please visit www.prospectnow.ca and select Work with Us, then Volunteer Opportunities, and follow the application steps for Volunteer Peer Mentor role. If you are curious but unsure whether this is the right fit, we welcome an informal conversation before you decide whether to apply, please contact us at volunteers@prospectnow.ca. 

SCREENING REQUIREMENTS
Successful applicants will be required to complete a Police Information Check as part of the onboarding process.

EXPERIENCE AND PERSPECTIVES WE WELCOME
Prospect is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community. We welcome individuals of all backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences.
Lived experience with mental health is a foundational requirement for this role. Previous volunteer or mentoring experience is an asset but not required.

NOTE: As this is an evolving program, the responsibilities and scope of this role are subject to change. Prospect Human Services reserves the right to modify or update this position description at any time to better meet the needs of the community and the program’s objectives.

ABOUT PROSPECT
Break Barriers. Employ Change.

Prospect helps people get jobs. We’re a not-for-profit and registered charity, so while the bottom line can’t be ignored, it’s not our priority. Clients are.

At Prospect, we value the diversity of people. Diversity at Prospect means a workplace where individual differences are recognized and appreciated, respected and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths. If you require an accommodation to participate in the
application or selection process, please contact us at volunteers@prospectnow.ca.

PROSPECT’S BRAND PILLARS
Prospect strongly believes in its five brand pillars and is looking for great candidates who share the same
beliefs:
Enthusiastic
Prospect approaches every opportunity with enthusiasm. We drive change with energy, optimism and commitment. Anyone who walks through our doors can feel the positive energy.
Professional
In every facet of our work, our actions show a commitment to professional management and service delivery. Prospect is accountable, ethical and honest.
Innovative
Prospect creates change by envisioning the end game and creating the means to realize it. We believe asking “why not?” aids progress. Solutions are created when we think beyond traditional boundaries.
Inclusive
Prospect is driven to achieve equal access for all to opportunities and resources. We strive to create a fair, healthy and high-performing environment where everyone is respected, encouraged and motivated, and their contributions help Prospect attain its goals.
Collaborative
Prospect seeks different perspectives. All parties must be engaged, including for-profit, not-for-profit, funders and government. Only by understanding all points of view can we create inclusive workplaces.