Peer Mentor

Old Colony YMCA•Fall River, MA

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

Seeking an energetic and flexible Peer Mentor to provide role modeling and therapeutic support to children and their families living in Southeast MA, and who are referred by the Department of Mental Health Children's Services. The position is based out of our Fall River Intensive Home Based Program, and daily services are provided in the homes and surrounding communities of youth served. The Peer Mentor works independently and as part of a dynamic team in supporting assigned youth who are experiencing mental health needs that impact their home and community relationships. The Peer Mentor role utilizes the mentor's "lived" experiences to provide guidance and encouragement to the children and young adults served. The role also incorporates job skills gained from professional trainings offered through the IHB Program and partnering human service providers. The Peer Mentor role involves various treatment oriented services, providing respite intended recreation activities, youth engagement, advocacy, life skills coaching, and connecting youth to local community resources. The role also involves participation in family team and school based meetings, and in group and individual staff development meetings.

Requirements

High School diploma or equivalent.
Valid Driver's license and registered and insured automobile.
Must be at least 21 years of age.
"Lived" experiences within Behavioral Health and/or Social Services fields.
Completion of core agency based social service trainings and specialty peer mentor trainings.
Verbal and written communication skills.
Organizational skills.
Basic computer skills to complete treatment documentation and data entry.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, inclusive of days, evenings, and weekends.
Ability to work independently and perform majority of work tasks in the community (including but not limited to homes, schools, hospitals, or other out of home placements for assigned youth).
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.

Nice To Haves

Associates degree in Human Services preferred, but not required.
Work related experience with children and adolescents preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide role modeling and therapeutic support to children and their families.
Provide guidance and encouragement to children and young adults utilizing "lived" experiences.
Incorporate job skills gained from professional trainings.
Provide treatment oriented services, including respite, recreation activities, youth engagement, advocacy, and life skills coaching.
Connect youth to local community resources.
Participate in family team and school based meetings.
Participate in group and individual staff development meetings.
Work independently and as part of a dynamic team.
Provide weekly communication to other program staff.
Deliver support services to assist youth and their families with their treatment plan goals.
Transport youth in the community.