OCAD University acknowledges the ancestral territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Haudenosaunee, the Anishinaabeg and the Huron-Wendat, who are the original owners and custodians of the land on which we live, work and create
OCAD University, Canada’s largest and oldest art and design university, is a vibrant community of bold, curious and compassionate artists, designers and scholars who are imagining and creating a joyful, equitable and sustainable world. The University is an internationally renowned hub for art, design, digital media, research, innovation and creativity, and arts administration. It embraces collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches to change-making through art, design-thinking curriculum and research, making OCAD U a local, regional, national and global leader in art and design.
It is an exciting time to join the OCAD U community as the University is at a key stage in its institutional transformation, with the implementation of its Academic and Strategic Plan and guiding principles — driving positive impact; decolonization, indigenization and equity; environmental sustainability; emerging as a vibrant hub; student centered approaches; innovation in learning teaching and research; and financial stewardship.
Reporting to the Project Lead, Peer-led Mental Health Program, the Peer Health Promoter is responsible for assisting in the co-design and implementation of the Student Wellness Centre’s (SWC) new Peer-led Mental Health Program at OCAD University (OCAD U). Working closely with the Project Lead and the SWC team, the Peer Health Promoter will participate in professional development trainings, co-design the Peer-led Mental Health Program, and co-lead mental health-focused events and outreach for students as part of this student-centred model of mental health service delivery at OCAD U.
The Peer-led Mental Health Program at SWC is an essential response to the impact of the pandemic on post-secondary students’ mental health. This peer-led initiative will engage students to co-create wellness programming that enhances mental health and builds community support among emerging creative artists and designers. Rooted in co-design and peer-to-peer support, the outcomes of this program will lay the foundation for scaling and strengthening community wellness at OCAD U.
The SWC is looking for current OCAD University students who are passionate about peer support, mental wellness, and connecting with OCAD U students through a variety of wellness practices. Ideal candidates will be students who have previously received and benefited from peer support, either formally in a healthcare or social service setting, or informally, through family, friends, and/or their community.
As the Peer Health Promoter will offer guidance, empathy, and safer space to some of OCAD U’s most vulnerable students, this role carries a significant amount of responsibility and personal commitment. Peer Health Promoters must adhere to robust training and confidentiality requirements.
Summary of Responsibilities:
- Supervised and guided by the Project Lead, Peer-led Mental Health Program:
- Participate in mandatory in-person professional development training (dates will be chosen based on Peer Health Promoter availability) to develop skills in health promotion and student engagement with a focus on mental health
- Co-design and co-deliver regular in-person wellness sessions/trainings and health promotion events in various spaces on campus, particularly the Student Living Room located at SWC
- Participate in the development of promotional initiatives and events that increase students’ awareness and engagement with SWC and related services that support students’ mental health
- Respond sensitively, responsibly and calmly to students who present with concerns, providing navigation support and referrals to appropriate health information and services
- Provide peer-based mental health support to students for non-urgent concerns
- Assist in evaluation processes and gathering feedback from students participating in the program
- Participate in the revision of key SWC protocols from a student-centered lens
- Participate in biweekly meetings with the Project Lead throughout the period of employment and team meetings as required
- Perform other duties as assigned to further support SWC’s Peer-led Mental Health Program
Qualifications:
- Active (currently enrolled) OCAD U student
- Enthusiastic about peer support as a central component of student wellness services at OCAD U
- Keen interest in health promotion with a focus on mental health and community support
- Interest in arts-based approaches to community engagement in healthcare and health education
- Excellent communication skills including speaking in front of a group, in-person engagement and outreach to students on campus, active listening, and responsive communication with co-workers
- Ability to engage other students from a non-judgmental place of curiosity and care while respecting confidentiality
- Familiarity with or willingness to learn about trauma-informed, anti-oppressive health promotion and outreach strategies
- Self awareness regarding one’s own lived experience of mental health and wellness, including self-care practices and tools to self-regulate
- Sound knowledge of, and commitment to, healthy and safe work practices
- Demonstrated commitment to the principles of equity and diversity and experience promoting a respectful work and learning environment for students, staff and faculty
Mode of Work: On Campus
Compensation: $26.26 per hour
Hours of Work: Up to 14 hours per week over the period of August 25, 2025 – December 19, 2025, excluding Fall Midterm Break and Winter Holiday Closure. The exact number of hours to be determined and weekly schedule is to be confirmed in discussion with your supervisor.
Student Wellness Centre - Living Room, Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday, 10AM to 7PM.
Peer Health Promoters must be able to commit to all required training and meetings. Training dates will be determined together with Peer Health Promoters to ensure availability. We are hiring 4 students for this role.
We will consider your class schedule when scheduling group meetings and 1:1 meetings. Please include your daily availability for the Fall term in your cover letter.
Application Deadline: Interested applicants are invited to submit an updated * resume and cover letter (PDF) . The review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position has been filled.
- Please upload your resume and cover letter as one PDF. Please name your upload: FirstName_LastName-Job Code
As an institution committed to art, design, digital media and related scholarship, OCAD University recognizes the profound and essential value that diversity brings to the creation, reception and circulation of creative practices and discourse. OCAD University understands that valuing diverse creative practices and forms of knowledge are essential to and enrich the institution’s core mission and vision as an art and design university with a local and global scope.
As an employer committed to employment equity, we encourage applications from members of equity-deserving communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions.
We encourage members of designated equity-deserving groups to self-identify within the voluntary Applicant Questionnaire.
OCAD University is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier free experience to applicants with accessibility needs. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage during the recruitment process. Please contact People & Culture for more information or refer to OCAD U’s Policy of Accommodation in Employment for Persons with Disabilities .
All qualified persons are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority. While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those short-listed will be contacted.
