Peer Support Worker, Back 2 Our Future (B2OF)

Breakthrough•Chicago, IL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Peer Support Worker will work collaboratively with the Breakthrough Beyond team, Violence Prevention team, and Behavioral Health team to provide culturally relevant outreach, engagement, and support services to youth ages 13-21.

Requirements

At least 21 years of age
High school diploma/GED with lived experience or experience as a caregiver of a child with behavioral health needs OR 2 years of experience in youth development
Has individual, lived experience with firearm violence, either directly or through community exposure
Demonstrates the ability to work within agency structure, accept supervision, and participate as a member of a multi-disciplinary team
Has completed or will complete training through the Metropolitan Peace Academy upon hire
Willingness to learn and commit to the principles of nonviolence, restorative justice, and trauma-informed practices
Strong interpersonal skills, conflict resolution skills, and the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
Ability to work with a team, respond well to supervisor direction, be flexible and dependable, and demonstrate initiative
Ability to demonstrate sensitivity to the service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.
Demonstrates comfort and skill using basic computer software such as Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook as well as other Windows based programs
Must maintain a valid driver’s license, have daily access to a vehicle and an acceptable motor vehicle driving record and/or reliable means of transportation are required
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Interpret and explain policies, procedures, and relevant laws
Ability to demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, professionalism and problem-solving skills.
Project a professional image to all internal and external customers ensuring correct grooming.
Ability to display a warm, supportive attitude toward all people
Ability to demonstrate initiative and follow-through and be comfortable working in a changing environment
Demonstrate a willingness to consistently improve work performance through relationships and guidance
Maintain a high degree of sensitivity, tact, and diplomacy during stressful situations.
Maintain confidentiality with sensitive information
Ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others
Prior to the first day of work, must complete a criminal background and sex offender clearance

Nice To Haves

Passion for the mission of Breakthrough

Responsibilities

Build strong positive relationships with youth and facilitate team building between participants
Engage youth in wrap around services within their agency and work with external partners to provide additional support services to youth
Responsible for gaining trust of the students and demonstrating relentless engagement to keep youth actively engaged
Develop and implement creative strategies to retain youth participants throughout the program
Assist with data collection and entry into data systems such as Salesforce
Implement performance measurement tools with youth participants and ensure timely completion of deadlines
Attend mandatory training and meetings
Participate in facilitation of programs, workshops and events geared toward youth development and engagement
Document all youth services activities and engagement in appropriate paper and electronic systems
Work with the team to create and execute individualized service plans (ISP) and Casey Life Skills Assessment
Engage youth in problem-solving, life skills, conflict resolution and communication activities to enhance core competencies
Work collaboratively with Behavioral Health Staff
In collaboration with support staff, conduct regular home visits for potential program participants for recruitment purposes and to disengaged participants to re-engage in the program
Behaves with integrity, demonstrates high ethical standards and displays a positive image of Breakthrough
Act in a professional manner always and maintains appropriate boundaries with youth
Demonstrates accountability for results and keeps commitments to others
Supports youth with transitions to employment and/or education upon program completion
Demonstrates openness and respect for cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of youth and coworkers
Accepts feedback and ideas from team and supervisor and is constructive when giving feedback and ideas to others
Responds in a timely manner to all written correspondence, email, and phone calls
Connects youth to year-round and summer related career activities, vocational training, employment, etc.
Attends regular supervision, team meetings and other professional workshops to enhance job skills
Serve as linkages and support to individuals by referring clients to outside services and other opportunities (i.e., drug treatment, etc.)
Prepare accurate reports and case summaries
Performs other duties and tasks assigned

Benefits

Group medical benefits through BlueCross BlueShield (PPO or HMO options, full cost of employee single coverage paid by employer)
Group dental benefits through BlueCross BlueShield (employee paid)
Group vision benefits through BlueCross BlueShield (employee paid)
Term life insurance through BlueCross BlueShield (paid by organization)
Short-term and long-term disability insurance through BlueCross BlueShield (paid by organization)
401(k) plan with employer match (50% of contribution up to 3% of base salary)
Section 125 Plan (FSA) for pre-tax contributions towards premiums, medical expenses, dependent care, and transit/parking
Vacation days (accrual rate of 6.67 – 13.33 days per month based on tenure)
Personal days (up to 3 annually)
Sick days (up to 10 annually)