Young Adult Peer Mentor

About the role

Vinfen is a nonprofit organization providing community-based services to individuals with mental health conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and behavioral health challenges. The Youth and Young Adult (YYA) Access Center (AC) seeks a Young Adult Peer Mentor (YAPM) to support young adults in engaging with services, promoting self-determination, and facilitating access to resources.

Responsibilities

• Works with YYA to enhance skills of self-direction and empowerment.
• Shares personal experiences; provides non-directive support, coaching, and modeling to support engagement in services and assist with accessing services.
• Provides individual 1:1 peer mentoring to 5-10 YYA.
• Facilitates regular peer support groups addressing topics relevant to YYA.
• Supports recruitment and events for the Young Adult Leadership Council.
• Engages in outreach and marketing efforts to educate YYA and other stakeholders about the program and services.
• Attends community events and activities to engage with YYA and explain available services.
• Assists in identifying and accessing services and service providers that benefit YYA.
• Helps YYA develop supportive relationships and community connections.
• Promotes healthy lifestyles and wellness practices, including addressing substance use.
• Supports the development of self-sufficiency and positive employment behaviors.
• Supports YYA in communication and working effectively with service providers, employers, and others.
• Models effective coping techniques and self-help strategies.
• Provides crisis intervention, when needed.
• Collaborates with AC staff to deliver services under the leadership of the AC Program Director.

Qualifications

• Competent in the use of the Young Adult Peer Mentoring Practice Profile.
• Knowledge of both the DMH Child Youth and Family and Adult services systems.
• Experience assisting YYA in participating in service planning to meet expressed goals.
• Skills in mediation and conflict resolution.
• Strong commitments to the right and ability of people served to live, work, have meaningful relationships, and receive the resources and supports needed in their community of choice.
• Knowledge of person-centered, strengths-based, recovery-oriented values, principles, and modalities.
• Knowledge of Peer Support practices and ethical standards.
• Ability to learn and use evidence-based approaches.
• Ability to create and maintain supportive, trusting relationships with YYA served by the AC.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality of YYA.
• Knowledge of engagement and participatory planning techniques.
• Sensitivity to the cultural, religious, ethnic, disability, and gender/gender identity differences of YYA.
• Knowledge and use of advocacy techniques.
• Respect for and knowledge of legal, civil, and human rights of YYA.
• Knowledge of community resources, supports, and services.
• Ability to work independently as well as a part of a team.
• Ability to use crisis intervention techniques and relapse prevention techniques.
• Ability to balance competing priorities.
• Ability to make independent judgments and decisions.
• Knowledge of personal computer applications and equipment.
• Personal, first-hand experience being a recipient of the mental health system.
• One year of experience working with YYA.
• Bilingual/bicultural applicants encouraged to apply.
• A high school diploma or equivalent is required; a bachelor’s degree in a human services discipline is preferred.
• CPR and First Aid certifications required within two weeks of hire.
• NET certification required within 12 months of hire.
• Certified Peer Specialist credential required within 1 year of hire.

Pay

USD $21.21 - USD $21.21 /Hr.