Peer Mentor

Vincentian CARES•Inverness, FL

1h•$0 - $18

About The Position

The Peer Mentor provides direct outreach and pre-screening to individuals interested in enrolling in the Rapid Rehousing Program. The role requires an understanding of service delivery systems and community resources for people and families experiencing homelessness. The Peer Mentor provides support, mentoring, and coaching to program participants as they access and navigate community resources; serves as a quality assurance representative for participants accessing RRH funds; and participates as a member of the strengths-based Case Management team. The position involves outreach to people in their naturally occurring environments, identifying potential applicants and coordinating initial screening with the Case Management team. It also includes supporting participants in accessing services and permanent housing, documenting their participation and progress, helping prepare discharge plans, and maintaining relationships with community agencies and partner organizations. The Peer Mentor completes reports and paperwork, including through HSMIS, and participates in meetings and training as requested. The role requires a high school diploma or equivalent, peer support training before mentoring participants, basic computer and data management skills, and the ability to work respectfully with diverse populations. Experience or education in human services and homelessness is a plus. Work may involve office and site settings, some driving, occasional noisy conditions, possible exposure to communicable disease or verbal abuse, and occasional work outside the established schedule or at odd hours.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Ability to speak, write, and understand English.
Basic computer skills and proficiency with data management and information systems; basic knowledge of Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Ability to comply with complex governmental regulations, policies, and procedures and to demonstrate thorough documentation compliance.
Sensitivity to and respect for cultural diversity, with the ability to work with diverse racial, ethnic, and economic groups.
Ability to set appropriate limits, work under deadlines, multitask, organize, prioritize, self-motivate, and deliver results.
Excellent communication and listening skills, strong work ethic, and adherence to high ethical standards.
Ability to receive feedback and learn new skills to improve job performance.
Mission-driven attitude, integrity, passion, and alignment with the St. Vincent de Paul CARES Mission and Values.
Ability to successfully pass a Level II background screening through the Florida Background Screening Clearinghouse.
Valid Florida driver’s license if driving an agency or personal vehicle for company business, and reliable transportation.
Basic knowledge of community resources for vulnerable populations.
Basic knowledge of severe and persistent mental illness and substance abuse.
Ability to form community partnerships and identify community resources.
Strong oral and written communication, organizational, time management, and data management skills.
Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team.
Ability to multitask and solve problems under pressure.
Ability to provide positive customer service to difficult populations.
Ability to handle new and diverse work problems, resolve problems and conflict, make effective decisions under pressure, listen objectively, identify underlying issues, and help bring issues to a successful conclusion.
Ability to interact with volunteers, clients, contractors, visitors, and employees at all levels within the Agency.
Ability to perform the stated physical demands, including prolonged computer workstation sitting, standing, bending, reaching, lifting up to 20 pounds, driving, walking, speaking, listening, typing, and operating office equipment.

Nice To Haves

Experience or education in human services and homelessness.

Responsibilities

Identify locations frequented by individuals experiencing homelessness.
Conduct direct outreach to individuals and families in their naturally occurring environments, including home and community visits.
Engage and build rapport with the target population.
Identify potential applicants and pre-screen them for eligibility.
Coordinate initial screening and assessment with the Case Management team.
Connect clients with services and community resources as needed.
Provide peer support, mentoring, and coaching to participants as they navigate and access community resources.
Accompany clients to appointments when appropriate.
Provide peer support and mentoring to help participants secure permanent housing.
Facilitate peer-group discussions and training as determined by the Case Management team.
Monitor and document participant participation, progress, referrals, and services provided.
Assist the Case Management team with discharge plans and follow-up contact.
Complete requested paperwork and data reports, including use of HSMIS.
Attend agency, community, and supervisory meetings as needed.
Maintain working relationships with community agencies and partner organizations to support comprehensive participant services.
Attend in-service trainings and outside conferences or workshops as requested.
Comply with training requirements and company safety, personnel, and operational policies and procedures.
Follow the work schedule to support effective Agency program operations and contribute positively as a cooperative team member.
Participate in the Agency Performance Quality Improvement program and Accreditation/Reaccreditation process.
Attend peer support training before mentoring participants.