Peer Mentor Advocate

Hill Country Health & Wellness Center•Redding, CA

17h•$21 - $25

About The Position

The Peer Mentor Advocate will provide direct, relationship-based support to young people involved with the justice system, probation, or who are at risk of system involvement. This position offers a unique opportunity to work alongside youth by building authentic connections, offering mentorship, and supporting them through care coordination, crisis response, system navigation, and conflict resolution. Peer Mentor Advocates use their lived experience, empathy, and knowledge to help youth overcome barriers in the areas of family stability, school engagement, community connection, employment, and health. The role includes implementing direct social service support, mentoring, and promoting positive youth development to reduce criminal involvement and recidivism

Requirements

Lived experience with the criminal justice system (personal history of incarceration, successful re-entry, or having a family member who was incarcerated).
Experience working with diverse communities and youth populations.
Must be an experienced driver and comfortable transporting youth.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong attention to detail in documentation.
Strong work ethic, positive attitude, and a sense of humor.
Background checks and required clearances must be completed prior to employment.
CPR/AED & First Aid certification (Adult, Child, and Infant).
A valid California driver’s license, clean driving record, reliable transportation, and current auto insurance.
Minimum six months of experience working with youth from similar demographics.
High school diploma or GED required, associate or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, Social Work, Child Development, or related field preferred.
Intermediate math skills required to assist youth with budgeting and financial planning. Must be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide accurately.
High-level critical thinking and reasoning skills required.
Ability to assess mental status, identify risks, and determine the need for emergency interventions.
Ability to define problems, gather relevant information, evaluate options, and draw valid conclusions.
Proficiency with Windows operating systems, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook), and online platforms.
Ability to use electronic health records and telecommunication tools such as Zoom, Teams, or Skype.
Proficient with standard office equipment including computers, copiers, fax machines, printers, and multi-line telephone systems.

Responsibilities

Mentor, motivate, inspire, and empower youth by building trust and strength-based relationships.
Assess youth needs through individualized care plans and provide in-house services, linkages, and referrals for identified needs.
Provide crisis response, conflict resolution, and emotional support as needed.
React well under pressure, treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position.
Accept responsibility for own actions.
Put success of clients and team above own interests. Support everyone's efforts to succeed.
Assist youth in removing barriers to basic needs, including food, hygiene supplies, medical/dental/vision care, housing support, substance use treatment, and recreational activities.
Support youth with appointment scheduling, accompaniment, transportation assistance, and coaching.
Connect youth to employment and education pathways, assisting with job placement or enrollment in vocational or school programs.
Respectful communication both verbal and written with clients, their families, collaborative agencies and staff.
Coordinate public relations, build community partnerships and community outreach activities as assigned.
Maintain accurate, timely documentation and ensure all reports are completed in accordance with program standards.
Monitor youth progress toward program goals and provide regular updates to the team.
Attend required community and company meetings, training, and quality assurance activities.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Perform other related duties as assigned by the Program Manager or Director.