Young Adult Peer Mentor

Justice Resource Institute•Yarmouth Port, MA

About The Position

JRI’s Flexible Support Services (FSS) program, operating under a Department of Mental Health (DMH) contract, serves children and young adults through age 22 who have mental health diagnoses. The program supports youth and families by amplifying their voices, providing psychoeducation and education about systems, strengthening relationships and family dynamics, offering advocacy and validation, and challenging negative stereotypes. Staff help clients improve functioning at home and in the community and avoid potential hospitalizations. The Young Adult Peer Mentor uses personal experience to support clients’ growth and works alongside Clinicians, Family Partners, and Therapeutic Support Specialists to provide culturally competent, trauma-informed, evidence-based treatment. The role also collaborates with DMH staff to help clients navigate the state system. JRI provides training for the position. Compensation is $20.00–$23.00 per hour, and the position offers a $1,000 sign-on bonus paid in full after 90 days of employment.

Requirements

Personal experience living with and recovering from mental health needs, substance use, and/or traumatic life concerns that caused challenges in one or more areas of life.
Two years of experience as a Young Adult Peer Mentor, or successful completion of an advanced peer-to-peer training program such as Certified Peer Specialist training.
High school diploma.
At least 21 years old.
Ability to express ideas clearly in written and oral communications.
Access to a reliable, insured vehicle and an active driver’s license.
Background and driving record checks will be performed.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in a human services field.
Fluency in a language other than English and ability to use it to serve clients; eligible new hires receive a bilingual bonus.

Responsibilities

Use personal experience to support clients’ growth in ways that others can connect with and learn from.
Work alongside Clinicians, Family Partners, and Therapeutic Support Specialists to support culturally competent, trauma-informed, evidence-based treatment.
Collaborate with Department of Mental Health staff to help clients navigate the state system.
Support youth and families through psychoeducation, systems education, advocacy, validation, relationship support, and challenging negative stereotypes.

Benefits

$1,000 sign-on bonus paid in full after 90 days of employment.
$2,000 bilingual bonus for eligible new hires who speak a second language fluently and use it to serve clients.
Reimbursement for registration costs and annual fees for professional licenses required for work.
Blue Cross medical benefits.
Delta Dental benefits.
401(k) matching up to $800 per year.
Pension after five years of employment.
Tuition reimbursement up to almost $4,000 per year.
Discounted tuition rates at select partner colleges and universities.
Employee engagement groups, self-care resources, and an Employee Assistance Program.
Up to 19 days of paid time off for full-time employees in their first year.