Peer Mentor

Peer Mentor

MISSION STATEMENT: To be a beacon of light by transforming lives in the Vincentian spirit of charity, justice, and mercy through interpersonal connectivity.

SUMMARY: The Peer Mentor provides direct outreach and pre-screening to potential individuals interested in enrolling in the Rapid Rehousing Program. A qualified candidate must possess a clear understanding of the service delivery system and the resources available for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Individual will provide peer support, mentoring, and coaching to RRH program participants to help them access and navigate community resources. This individual will also serve as a quality assurance representative to program participants accessing RRH funds and participate as a member of the strengths-based Case Management team.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other job-related duties as required. Nothing in this job description restricts management's rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at this time)

Outreach

• Identify locations frequented by individuals experiencing homelessness
• Provide direct outreach to individuals and families in their naturally occurring environments (i.e. home visits and community visits)
• Engage and build rapport with target population
• Provide identification of and pre-screening for eligibility of potential applicants
• Coordinate initial screening and assessment with Case Management team
• Provide client access to services and community resources as needed

Support

• Provide peer support, mentoring, and coaching to program participants through assistance in navigating and accessing community resources
• Accompany clients to appointments, when appropriate
• Provide peer support and mentoring in securing permanent housing
• Facilitate discussion and training in peer groups, as determined by the Case Management team
• Monitor and document participation, progress, referrals, and services provided to participant
• Assist Case Management team in preparing discharge plans and follow-up contact with program participants
• Complete paperwork and data reports as requested by the Program Manager/supervisor including use of HSMIS

Networking

• Attend agency, community, and supervisory meetings, as needed
• Maintain working relationships with community agencies to provide comprehensive services to participants
• Maintain working relationships with partnering community organizations
• Attend in-service trainings and outside conferences/workshops, as requested by the Program Manager/supervisor

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Comply with all applicable training requirements
• Comply with all company safety, personnel and operational policies and procedures
• Comply with work schedule to ensure effective operations of Agency programs
• Contributes positively as a member of a productive and cooperative team
• Performs other duties as necessary to fulfill the St. Vincent de Paul CARES Mission

Employee Benefits:

• Health Insurance
• Life insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision insurance
• Short- and Long Term Disability
• 120 hours of PTO accrued biweekly starting at day 1 of employment
• 13 Paid Holidays to include Employee's birthday and Date of Hire
• 403(b) with employer match up to 3%

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: (To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.)

• Able to speak, write and understand English
• Possess basic computer skills
• Must be sensitive to and respect cultural diversity amongst clients, staff and volunteers and able to work with diverse racial, ethnic and economic groups
• Ability to set appropriate limits, work under deadlines and multi-task
• Ability to organize, prioritize, self-motivate, and deliver results
• Excellent communication and listening skills
• Possess strong work ethics
• Successfully pass Level II background screening
• Valid Florida driver's license if driving an agency vehicle or a personal vehicle for company business
• Must have reliable transportation
• Participate in Agency Performance Quality Improvement (PQI) program and Accreditation/ Reaccreditation process
• Mission-driven attitude supplemented with integrity and passion
• Adherence to the highest ethical standards, personally and professionally
• A high level of openness and willingness to receive feedback/suggestions from superiors and others, and to learn new skills to improve job performance
• Evidence of deep alignment with the St. Vincent de Paul CARES Mission and Values
• This position requires a Level 2 background screening through the Florida Background Screening Clearinghouse. For more information on screening requirements, process, and disqualifying offenses, please visit the official Clearinghouse Education and Awareness website.

ADDITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: (To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.)

• Basic knowledge of the resources in the community available for the vulnerable populations.
• Have basic knowledge of severe and persistent mental illness and substance abuse
• Ability to form partnerships in the community and seek out community resources
• Strong oral and written communications
• Strong organizational, time management, and data management skills
• Proven ability to work effectively both individually and as part of a team
• Ability to multi-task and problem solve under pressure
• Ability to provide positive customer service to difficult populations

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: (Pending on position and if prior to hire is approved by Chief Executive Officer, a comparable amount of training, education or experience may be substituted for the minimum education qualifications)

• Experience or education with human services and homelessness is a plus
• High School diploma or equivalent is required
• Individual will be responsible for attending a peer support training prior to mentoring participants
• Must be able to comply with complex governmental regulations, policies and procedures and demonstrate thorough document compliance efforts and activities
• Must be proficient with data management and information systems and have basic knowledge of Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook

GENERAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS: These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation can be made, if appropriate, to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions of job. Working in an office/site requires prolonged sitting at the computer workstation; standing, bending, reaching, lifting up to 20 lbs. and some driving. Requires manual dexterity sufficient to operate standard office machines such as computers, fax machines, calculators, telephones, and other office equipment. It is also required to regularly sit, speak, and listen, the employee is also required to walk, use hands and fingers to type, operate equipment, and maintain records and notes. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

MENTAL DEMANDS: Must handle new and diverse work problems on a daily basis. Personal maturity is an important attribute. Must be able to resolve problems, handle conflict, and make effective decisions under pressure. Must have the ability to listen objectively to people, perceive the real problem and assist in bringing issues to a successful conclusion. Must relate and interact with, volunteers, clients, contractors, visitors and employees at all levels within the Agency.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Environment will occasionally become noisy due to equipment operations and interactions among clients and staff. There may be the possibility of being exposed to communicable disease, possible exposure to verbal abuse or similar behavior from residents/clients. On an as needed basis, employees may be called upon to work outside of the established work schedule