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 http://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.
