Peer Mentor

Osborne Association Inc•New York, NY

12d•$27•Hybrid

About The Position

Osborne Association serves individuals, families, and communities affected by the criminal justice system. Through our programs, we offer opportunities for people to heal from and repair harm, restore their lives, and thrive. We challenge systems rooted in racism and retribution and fight for policies and practices that promote true safety, justice, and liberation. At Osborne, we are guided by core values and shared beliefs. We honor everyone's capacity to change, celebrate our shared humanity, are united in our pursuit of justice and equity, take all possible steps to keep our commitments, and advocate for people and principles with fierce and tenacious determination. We currently seek a full-time Peer Mentor to join our ERI team. The Elder Reentry Initiative (ERI) Mentor is a vital part of a multidisciplinary team, providing targeted mentorship to older adults (aged 50+) transitioning from incarceration back into the community. Grounded in the evidence-based Critical Time Intervention (CTI) model, this role utilizes a structured, time-limited case management approach designed to combat institutionalization and foster lasting reentry stability. By engaging participants across three distinct phases—Transition, Try-Out, and Transfer—the Mentor assists with navigating complex community resources, securing housing, employment, benefits, and addressing behavioral and health needs. Mentors are expected to build immediate rapport to mitigate reentry anxiety and execute successful "warm handoffs" to long-term community providers, ensuring participants attain enduring stability, independent functioning, and successful reintegration

Requirements

Associate’s Degree in Communications, Human Services or a related field; in lieu of a degree, high school diploma or equivalent with a minimum of 1-2 years of professional experience in mentorship, counseling, case management, or providing transitional support services.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to maintain accurate, timely clinical documentation and data entry.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and Google Workspace applications.
Ability to work in teams and collaborate effectively with people in different functions and at different levels of the organization
Ability to take the initiative and drive for results
Excellent assessment, treatment planning and problem resolution skills
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including participating in team rotations for on-call crisis support or local travel to assist with release days.
Ability to travel locally

Nice To Haves

Experienced working with culturally diverse populations, particularly older adults (50+) and/or individuals with high geriatric and complex medical needs, is strongly preferred.
Familiarity with evidence-based practices, including Motivational Interviewing and Trauma-Informed Care. Knowledge of the Critical Time Intervention (CTI) model is a plus.
Bilingual (English/Spanish) proficiency is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Collaboratively manage a caseload of approximately 20 older adult participants, guiding them through the structured phases of Critical Time Intervention to promote successful reentry.
Collaborate with the clinical team to complete comprehensive evaluations and implement individualized Phase Plans targeting 1-3 specific areas for stability, such as housing or substance use treatment.
Actively connect participants to community-based partners. Accompany participants to initial appointments to ensure seamless transitions fostering the participant's self-advocacy.
Utilize motivational interviewing, and a strengths-based and trauma-responsive approach, provide guidance and social support during the reentry period.
In collaboration with the team, provide on-call crisis support, at times after hours or on weekends.
Occasionally assist participants during appointments that at times may begin before 8:00 AM or after 5:00 PM on weekdays.
Participate in weekly CTI team supervision meetings and collaborate with the Care Manager, Clinical Social Worker, and Clinical Supervisor to review caseloads, adjust service plans, and ensure strict fidelity to the CTI model.
Develop and maintain proactive relationships with community-based agencies and specialized service providers to expand the network of resources available to aging reentrants.
Maintain rigorous, timely documentation within electronic tracking systems, including daily progress notes, Phase Plans, and closing notes, ensuring all contractual program evaluation metrics are met.
Attend assigned professional development trainings and maintain in-person attendance to effectively collaborate with co-workers.
Demonstrates the highest level of empathy and customer care while utilizing a trauma-responsive approach. Understands the unique intersection of aging, institutionalization, and reentry.
Explains and models expected behaviors and interpersonal skills. Provides behavior-specific, constructive feedback to participants, using Motivational Interviewing techniques.
Skilled communicator with the ability to liaise effectively across internal departments, with correctional facility staff (DOCCS/DOC), and with external community partners.
Skilled de-escalator who is calm and strengths-focused in high-stakes situations. Capable of navigating the acute anxiety or sensory overload an older adult might experience immediately upon release and stabilizing crises in the community.
Perform other duties as assigned to continually support the program's ultimate goals.