Peer Mentor

Description

Position Overview: The Peer Mentor plays a vital role in providing peer support, information, and advocacy to individuals in residential and supported living environments. Reporting to the Program Director, Program Manager, or designee, the Peer Mentor assists clients in regaining control over their lives, navigating the recovery process, and integrating into the community.

Responsibilities:

1. Supporting Clients in Their Recovery Process:
   
   • Articulating recovery goals with clients.
   • Helping clients identify objectives for their recovery.
   • Identifying barriers to community integration.
   • Implementing interventions based on clients' recovery/life goals.
   • Observing and reporting progress to program staff.
   • Communicating concerns regarding client statements or behaviors to appropriate staff.
2. Coordinating Functions Effectively:
   
   • Maintaining schedules for location activities.
   • Collaborating with community agencies to identify resources.
   • Organizing and facilitating various trainings, workshops, groups, and activities.
   • Providing outreach to clients.
3. Informing and Encouraging Clients to Utilize Community Resources:
   
   • Serving as a resource for clients in integrating into their community.
   • Modeling effective coping techniques and self-help strategies.
4. Teaching Self-Advocacy Skills:
   
   • Assisting clients in obtaining community supports related to their recovery goals.
   • Providing information about community and natural supports.
   • Assisting clients in developing empowerment skills through self-advocacy.
5. Documentation Standards:
   
   • Maintaining documentation to the standards defined by funders and organizational policies.
   • Meeting documentation standards as evaluated by the supervisor.

East House is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

East House is a proud RMAPI (Rochester-Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative) Level Up Champion for our commitment to social justice and promoting economic mobility in our community.

Requirements

Education/Experience:

• High School diploma or GED.
• Previous experience in a Peer role is preferred.
• Performs day-to-day duties independently, seeking additional support or feedback when necessary, especially for complex issues.
• Works effectively with clients and fellow employees.
• Assists others as needed to achieve Agency goals.
• Displays appropriate behaviors in the workplace.
• Peer Certification preferred (provisional and/or permanent). Certification must be obtained within 18 months if not currently certified.
• Involvement in a limited number of agency committees, focus groups, teams, etc.

Licensure/Certifications:

• NYS motor vehicle license, safe driving record, and availability of a personal vehicle.
• Peer Certification preferred (provisional and/or permanent).

Other Skills/Knowledge/Experience:

• Past or present consumer of mental health and/or chemical addiction services.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in culturally diverse settings.
• Basic computer literacy and Microsoft Word skills.
• Knowledge and application of person-centered practices.

Physical/Mental Demands:

• Ability to handle objects, paperwork, work with a computer, and communicate effectively.
• Occasionally lift up to 30 lbs., walk, stand, and reach.
• Finger dexterity to operate a telephone and computer keyboard.
• Hearing and visual requirements for normal conversation and reading documents.
• Ability to maintain emotional control under stressful situations.

Working Conditions:

• Traditional office or household environment.
• Availability for on-duty crisis response.
• Must be available for various community integration activities, weekends, and some evenings.
• Occasional travel in Monroe County, including transportation of clients in a large vehicle.