Support Group & Peer Mentor Coordinator

Who We Are

We’re not your typical non-profit. We bring swagger to everything we do. That means we move with purpose in every step, driven by our commitment to putting our community at the centre of our work. Every day, we ask ourselves to see possibilities where others see limits. Because people with Parkinson’s and care partners deserve better. Better care, more inclusive research and access to treatment and support that make living well possible.

Our mission is to empower and inspire people living with Parkinson’s and their care partners to live fully and courageously. Through community support, advocacy, and research, we encourage others to see a diagnosis not as a dimming of light, but a spark for a new beginning.

Move forward. Together. On Mission.

The Role

The Support Group & Peer Mentor Coordinator is responsible for coordinating Parkinson Canada's peer support programs, including support groups and peer mentoring initiatives. The Coordinator serves as the primary point of contact for volunteer facilitators, peer mentors, and program participants, ensuring they have the training, resources, and support needed to provide positive peer support experiences.

Working closely with the Manager, Peer Support and Volunteer Engagement, the Coordinator supports the delivery, growth, and continuous improvement of peer support programs through volunteer recruitment, onboarding, training, mentor matching, and relationship management. The Coordinator provides regular updates on program activities, emerging needs, volunteer engagement, and participant feedback, and works collaboratively with the Manager to identify opportunities to strengthen volunteer capacity and enhance program effectiveness.

As this is a new role, responsibilities may evolve as our peer support programs continue to mature and expand.

Key Responsibilities

Coordinate Support Group Volunteer Engagement and Capacity Building

• Coordinate onboarding, orientation, and training for support group facilitators.
• Provide ongoing support, resources, and guidance to volunteer facilitators.
• Organize facilitator meetings, learning opportunities, and peer networking sessions.
• Collaborate with the Volunteer Engagement team on recruitment, onboarding, and recognition of volunteer facilitators.
• Support the establishment of new support groups by coordinating volunteer onboarding and training activities.
• Maintain facilitator resources, toolkits, and program materials

Coordinate Peer Mentor Program Delivery

• Collaborate with the Volunteer Engagement team recruitment, screening, onboarding, and training of volunteer peer-mentors.
• Facilitate mentor-mentee matching based on participant needs, preferences, and lived experience.
• Maintain regular communication with mentors and mentees throughout the mentoring process.
• Monitor matches and escalate concerns or challenges to the Manager, Peer Support and Volunteer Engagement as appropriate.
• Maintain accurate program records, participant information, and volunteer documentation.
• Gather and track participant and volunteer feedback to support program evaluation and improvement.

Volunteer Training, Program Administration and Reporting

• Coordinate volunteer training sessions and continuing education opportunities.
• Collaborate with the Volunteer Engagement team tracking volunteer participation, onboarding, training completion, and engagement activities.
• Maintain program databases, records, and evaluation data.
• Prepare regular updates, reports, and program summaries for the Manager, Peer Support and Volunteer Engagement.
• Identify trends, service gaps, or emerging issues and bring recommendations forward to the Manager.
• Support program evaluation, surveys, and quality improvement initiatives

Contribute to Team Effectiveness

• Serve as a positive ambassador for Parkinson Canada.
• Participate in team meetings and organizational initiatives.
• Collaborate with colleagues to support shared program and organizational goals.
• Assist with special projects and community engagement activities as required.
• Build positive relationships with volunteers, participants, staff, and community partners

What You Bring:

• Minimum of 2 to 3 years of progressive experience in volunteer engagement, community engagement, customer service, peer support, health services, social services, or a related field.
• Experience coordinating volunteer-led programs, community-based initiatives, or peer support programs.
• Knowledge of peer support, group facilitation, volunteer engagement, and adult learning principles.
• Demonstrated ability to build trust and maintain positive relationships with volunteers, participants, community members, and other stakeholders.
• Exceptional customer service skills, with the ability to communicate with empathy, professionalism, and discretion.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, presentation, and facilitation skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in maintaining records, tracking program activities, coordinating volunteer onboarding, and managing participant information.
• Strong organizational and administrative skills, including documentation management, reporting, and data entry.
• Excellent, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Experience facilitating volunteer training, workshops, and educational resources.
• Demonstrated conflict resolution skills, with the ability to navigate challenging situations and support positive outcomes.
• Ability to identify, address, and appropriately escalate volunteer, participant, or program concerns while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, coordinate competing deadlines, and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, CRM databases, virtual meeting platforms, and other relevant technology tools.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and culturally responsive practices.
• Bilingualism (English/French) is considered an asset.
• Ability to travel occasionally within Canada.

All Parkinson Canada roles are expected to demonstrate the organization's four core competencies: Evidence Before Action, Solution Focused Problem Solving, Own the Outcome, and Mission in Every Decision. Expectations at each level are set out in our Core Competency Framework.

Compensation: At Parkinson Canada, we believe that compensation should be fair and supportive of your experience and growth. For this role, the salary is between $50,000 - 60,000 per annum. Our salary ranges reflect progression from learning in the role to excelling, with each offer based on skills, experience, and role complexity. We strive for equitable, consistent pay, though rates may vary within the same role based on performance, specialized knowledge, and impact.

Parkinson Canada is firmly committed to diversity within its community and welcomes applications from racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous People of North America and the world, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, and those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. We are committed to providing equitable opportunities in employment and to providing a workplace which is free from discrimination and harassment. We are equally committed to providing an inclusive and accessible workplace. If you require accommodations, please reach out to us.