Peer Support Mentor - Youth Services (33692)

NEW NARRATIVE•Portland, OR

8d•$25 - $28

About The Position

The Peer Support Mentor for the Youth Services Department provides community- and home-based support to transitioning foster youth across two supportive living programs- Rosebud and Compass Rose. By sharing lived experiences, they offer person-centered, peer-driven mentoring to foster growth, community connection, and self-advocacy. The role aligns with Rosebud and Compass Rose’s mission to ensure a safe and welcoming culture for youth working towards recovery from trauma and mental wellness challenges and support these youth on their journey to stability and independence. Through individual and group engagement, the Peer Support Mentor promotes whole-person wellness and independent living skills.

Requirements

Peer Specialist certification (PSS, YSS, or CRM) recognized by Traditional Health Workers required within 3 months of hire.
Minimum of one year providing direct support as a Peer Specialist in mental health, substance use recovery, or related settings preferred.
Maintain CPR and First Aid certificate.
Engage in ongoing training needs as identified by contract.
Personal lived experience with mental health challenges, recovery, houselessness, the Child Welfare system, or similar, with the ability to mentor others using this lived experience.
Strong understanding of recovery principles, trauma-informed care, and peer support best practices.
Ability to organize and manage a flexible schedule for participant engagement and team collaboration.
Valid Oregon or Washington driver’s license, reliable personal transportation, and active insurance required.

Nice To Haves

Youth Support Specialist certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Maintain 20 hours per week of direct participant contact, including outreach, peer support (individual and group), skills-building, case management, and community engagement.
Complete all documentation accurately and promptly, adhering to organizational policies, regulatory standards, and contract requirements.
Use participant feedback and data to improve service delivery and team performance.
Assist participants in creating and managing wellness and recovery plans, including program-specific and clinical treatment plans.
Support identity development by fostering growth in concepts of confidence, self-esteem, and personal values.
Encourage wellness through hobbies and interests, promoting engagement in positive outlets for self-expression.
Share lived experiences to model a balanced life focused on productivity, enjoyment, expression, and overall wellness.
Teach independent living skills such as cooking, housework, and activities of daily living.
Help participants set and achieve goals related to employment, education, and independence.
Connect participants with housing, health services, social supports, and community resources like support groups or meetings.
Facilitate individual and group activities in collaboration with the support team.
Plan and implement community-building events to engage participants alongside Peer Manager.
Develop and maintain a participant calendar featuring recreational, wellness, and skill-building activities.
Support Peer Manager in maintaining drop-in space equipped for music, gaming, community-building, and creative expression.
Collaborate with the Peer Manager to promote a Youth Advisory Board for participants to influence events and programs.
Encourage community involvement through regular volunteer opportunities.
Introduce participants to art, music, movement, and other creative outlets.
Teach and practice healthy coping skills.
Support in assessing risk for self-harm, suicidal ideation, harm to others, or other risks, documenting findings, creating safety plans, and referring to additional resources when scope has been reached.
De-escalate crises and reduce reliance on emergency services.
Foster healthy relationships and robust support systems.
Advocate for participants' voices and promote mind-body wellness practices.
Actively participate in staff meetings, external case discussions, and service planning.
Collaborate with team members outside scheduled meetings as needed.
Attend Rosebud, Compass Rose, and New Narrative events, including fundraisers and performances.
Maintain professional and ethical boundaries with participants and colleagues.
Uphold the National Guidelines for Peer Supporters and peer core values.
Perform other duties as necessary for program success and participant benefit.