Peer Navigator

UNIVERSITY MUSLIM MEDICAL ASSOCIATION INC•Huntington Park, CA

164d•Onsite

About The Position

The Peer Navigator utilizes a trauma-informed, harm reduction, and culturally responsive approach in all client interactions, fostering trust, dignity, and client self-determination. This Peer Navigator under the Justice-Involved Program provides critical support and guidance to individuals transitioning from incarceration back into the community. As part of the RENEW (Reentry and Rehabilitation Services; Education and Wellness; Nutrition Programs; Emotional Support; and Wellness Activities) project at UMMA Health, the Peer Navigator will use their lived experience to build trust, offer mentorship, and help justice-involved individuals access healthcare, social services, housing, employment, and other essential resources. Candidates with lived experience of incarceration and successful reentry are strongly encouraged to apply. This role is instrumental in reducing recidivism and promoting holistic well-being among participants.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field is a plus.
Experience working in peer support, case management, or community outreach is preferred.
Familiarity with reentry services, behavioral health, harm reduction, and social determinants of health.
Candidates with previous justice-involvement or lived experience in reentry are strongly encouraged to apply.
Successful completion and acceptable results of post offer physical examination, drug screening, and criminal background check.
Recommended Healthcare Personnel Requirements for vaccinations and preventative testing: Hep B, Influenza, MMR, TDAP, TB, Covid-19 and Booster.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build rapport with diverse populations.
Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
Knowledge of community resources, healthcare navigation, and social service systems.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries

Nice To Haves

associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field is a plus.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and electronic health record (EHR) systems is a plus.

Responsibilities

Establish trusting relationships with justice-involved individuals to provide peer support and mentorship.
Assist clients in navigating healthcare services, including primary care, behavioral health, and substance use treatment.
Support clients in accessing housing, employment, education, and other reentry resources.
Accompany clients to medical and social service appointments as needed, promoting client independence over time.
Provide emotional support and encouragement throughout the reentry process.
Collaborate with case managers, housing navigators, and other service providers to develop individualized reentry plans.
Assist clients with completing applications for benefits, housing, and employment programs.
Conduct outreach and engagement efforts to connect with justice-involved individuals in need of support.
Conduct assessments of clients’ needs, including substance use history, mental health status, social determinants of health, and reentry challenges.
Maintain accurate and timely documentation of client interactions and progress.
Facilitate peer-led workshops and support groups on topics such as wellness, financial literacy, and relapse prevention, and empowerment.
Provide education on harm reduction strategies, including prevention and treatment of infectious diseases like Hepatitis C (HCV) and HIV.
Advocate for the needs of justice-involved individuals within the community and healthcare system.
Provide feedback to the Justice-Involved Program Manager on program effectiveness and areas for improvement.
Assist in the collection of program data for reporting and evaluation purposes.
Participate in team meetings and training sessions to enhance service delivery.
Attend HRSA calls and work with program consultants at the direction of the Justice-Involved Program Manager.
Ensure program activities align with HRSA guidelines and grant requirements.
Support documentation and reporting processes required for compliance with federal and state funding sources.