SHEC Peer Support Volunteer (First year & transfer student priority hiring)

****Special Application Instructions:

Please do not "Apply Online" by submitting your resume on this page.

To streamline the hiring process, the SHEC hiring board requests that anyone applying should complete the following linked application form instead.

This posting closes on October 5th at 11:59pm. (however, we will begin reviewing candidates on Oct 2nd)

Note: Resources and Advocacy Committee: In the application, applicants can also opt-in to participate in the Research and Advocacy Committee, granting volunteers the opportunity to plan and implement educational campaigns to inform the McMaster community on topics pertaining to student health. Please note that this commitment is in addition to regularly scheduled peer support shifts.

Interested students can also receive the application in the format of an accessible Word document by emailing shec@msu.mcmaster.ca with the subject line "Application Word document".

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SHEC is a peer-run health promotion, education, and referral service for McMaster University students. SHEC focuses on engaging with students about health-related issues through peer support, events, and campaigns.

Please note applications will close Wednesday, June 26th at 11:59 pm (EST).

SHEC Peer Support Volunteers are responsible for taking on a minimum of three one-hour shifts per week in the centre, where they remain on-call to perform peer support or anonymous pregnancy testing. They also ensure that students visiting the space have access to the physical (e.g. menstrual items, safe sex items, pamphlets/books) and informational resources the service provides. Volunteers represent SHEC in a responsible, professional, and respectful manner while on shift and participating in SHEC events. Peer Support Volunteers are also able to sign up to volunteer additional time to be on either the Programming Committee or the Research and Advocacy Committee at their discretion.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Peer supporting skills (empathy, desire to assist others, comfortable providing support)
• Organization and time management skills
• Strong verbal communication skills required to provide peer support
• Motivational skills

Effort & Responsibility

• Responsible for being on time to volunteer shifts and other events
• Maintain confidentiality of all people accessing the services of SHEC
• Responsible for maintaining an appropriate and positive image of the MSU

Working Conditions

• Most work can be completed in a shared office space
• Time demands may exceed stated hours of work

Training and Experience

• Relevant experience is considered an asset, but not required
• Attend mandatory core training weekends (twice per year)
• Attend monthly trainings on various health topics
• All required training will be provided

Please download the job description to see a full listing of the duties & responsibilities, found here.

****Special Application Instructions:

Please do not "Apply Online" by submitting your resume on this page.

To streamline the hiring process, the SHEC hiring board requests that anyone applying should complete the following linked application form instead.

Note: Resources and Advocacy Committee: In the application, applicants can also opt-in to participate in the Research and Advocacy Committee, granting volunteers the opportunity to plan and implement educational campaigns to inform the McMaster community on topics pertaining to student health. Please note that this commitment is in addition to regularly scheduled peer support shifts.

Interested students can also receive the application in the format of an accessible Word document by emailing shec@msu.mcmaster.ca with the subject line "Application Word document".

Term: Current - April 30, 2025

Supervisor: SHEC Volunteer Coordinator

Remuneration: Volunteer

Hours: Approx 3 hours per week

We thank all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for the position, and advise that only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

The McMaster Students Union (MSU) is strongly committed to employment equity within its community and to recruiting a diverse staff. The MSU encourages applications from all qualified candidates including women, persons with disabilities, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of racialized communities and 2SLGBTQIA-identified persons. If you require any form of accommodation throughout the recruitment and selection process, please contact Human Resources by email at hr@msu.mcmaster.ca. Please note that the MSU is an independently incorporated students’ union operating within the McMaster University community; this is not a McMaster University position.