Volunteer Peer Mentor

Program: Peer Mentorship Program

Position Type: Volunteer (Unpaid)

Status: Non-Employee, At-Will Volunteer

Reports To: Director of Client Services

Position Overview

The Volunteer Peer Mentor supports individuals living with HIV by offering emotional, educational, and peer-based support to encourage engagement in care, treatment adherence, and overall wellness. This volunteer role is grounded in shared lived experience and focuses on empowerment, trust-building, and connection to services.

Volunteer Peer Mentors are not employees of Coastal Bend Wellness Foundation (CBWF) and do not provide clinical, medical, or case management services. Participation is voluntary and does not create an employment relationship.

Volunteer Responsibilities

Peer Support & Engagement

• Establish supportive, respectful, and nonjudgmental peer relationships.
• Participate in one-on-one peer mentoring sessions (typically 30-60 minutes, biweekly or monthly, based on program needs).
• Provide emotional support and education to individuals, encourage treatment adherence, address stigma and disclosure concerns, and, when appropriate, share lived experience to foster hope, empowerment, and self-advocacy.
• Encourage continued engagement in care and support services.

Health Education & Navigation

• Provide general health education related to HIV care, treatment adherence, stigma, and self-care (non-clinical).
• Assist participants with understanding available community resources.
• Encourage goal-setting and follow-through.

Communication & Documentation

• Complete required activity logs or session summaries as outlined by the program.
• Maintain participant confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and CBWF policies.
• Participate in supervision, check-ins, or group meetings as requested.

Professional Conduct & Training

• Complete required volunteer orientation and training prior to beginning service.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times.
• Refrain from dual relationships, financial involvement, gift exchanges, or romantic relationships with participants.
• Represent CBWF in a respectful and professional manner during volunteer activities.

Requirements

Volunteer Qualifications

• Must be living with HIV and demonstrate retention in HIV care and adherence to medication for at least the last 12 months.
• Must be up to date with all Ryan White eligibility, if applicable
• Willingness to share lived experience in a supportive and appropriate manner.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work with diverse populations.
• Dependability and commitment to scheduled volunteer activities.
• Bilingual skills are a plus.

Volunteer Requirements

• Completion of background screening and drug screening prior to service.
• Ability to engage in in-person communication, walking, and standing as required.
• Completion of confidentiality agreements, HIPAA and other training as required.
• Assigned tasks are performed on site during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Able to lift 25lbs and perform normal duties associated in a clinic and office setting.

Volunteer Status Statement

This position is a volunteer role and does not constitute employment with Coastal Bend Wellness Foundation. Volunteers are not entitled to wages, benefits, or compensation of any kind. CBWF may modify or discontinue volunteer opportunities at any time, and volunteers may end their service at any time.

Organizational Values

All CBWF volunteers are expected to uphold the organization's values of compassion, inclusion, integrity, collaboration, and excellence while supporting the mission and the communities we serve.