Peer to Peer Mentor

The Kennedy Collective Inc•Bridgeport, CT

just now•Hybrid

About The Position

The Peer Mentor supports individuals experiencing mental health challenges to pursue and keep competitive employment. Using lived experience in a professional, recovery-oriented way, the Peer Mentor partners with Employment Specialists to build hope, confidence, and practical skills—while honoring each person’s preferences, strengths, and choice.

Requirements

Lived experience with mental health challenges and recovery, with readiness to use that experience authentically, professionally and ethically
High School Diploma/Completion or GED required
Strong communication skills; ability to build rapport and maintain appropriate boundaries
Ability to work independently, manage time, and meet documentation expectations
Comfort providing community-based services and traveling locally
One year of experience facilitating support groups and/or providing individual supports for people with psychiatric disabilities.
Understand the vocational challenges and issues facing individuals with psychiatric disabilities.
Must have a work history and strong work ethic.
Must be willing to serve as a role model.
Valid Drivers License.
Reliable means of transportation for accessing community
Knowledge and skills in Microsoft Office and the internet.
Work a flexible schedule that may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.

Nice To Haves

Two-week new hire orientation including an introduction to the agency, site tours, and employer-funded CPR & PMT certification.
Two weeks of job-specific trainings and shadowing at your worksite
Check-ins with Human Resources after your first 30, 60, and 90 days

Responsibilities

Build respectful, trusting relationships with participants and support person-directed goals
Collaborate with Employment Specialists and the treatment team to support individualized employment plans
Support job seekers with identifying transferable skills, exploring careers/education, and building effective work habits
Provide mentoring and job coaching (before and after job start) to support retention and workplace success
Support participants in navigating workplace challenges, including disclosure and requesting reasonable accommodations
Co-Facilitate groups/workshops (e.g., communication, budgeting, stress management, problem-solving, interview practice)
Conduct outreach and program promotion to increase referrals and community awareness
Connect participants to community resources (transportation, benefits support, housing, mental health/addiction services)
Complete intakes, wellness planning, and timely documentation in the electronic case record
Participate in training, supervision, and team meetings to maintain IPS model fidelity
Assist with job development activities.
Work as an integral member of each individual’s team.