Peer Mentor

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

This position is responsible for providing engaging and supportive guidance to students with disabilities involved in the justice and/or foster care systems and other students referred by Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation. The focus of the mentoring and guidance will be employment preparation of the students with disabilities, knowledge of employer expectations, knowledge of state and community resources offering employment, and knowledge of and access to independent living resources. Peer Mentors will be supervised by a Peer Coordinator employed by The Whole Person.

Minimum Qualifications

• Interest in diverse perspectives and experiences.

• Good time management.

• Cultural sensitivity.

• Strong interpersonal skills

• Discretion in dealing with confidential and sensitive information.

• Desire and ability to serve as a role model for students with disabilities involved in the foster

• Care and/or justice systems or students referred by Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation

• Desire and ability to learn about employment resource systems and model good work ethic.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Desire to help students with disabilities succeed.

• Ability to satisfactorily pass a background check.

• Ability to communicate with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

• Ability to travel local to meet students/mentees.

• Ability to work with and follow documentation guidelines of Collaborating Agencies.

• Reliable and dependable.

• Positive attitude.

• Nonjudgmental and open to diverse ideas.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Meet one-on-one with mentees weekly not to exceed 4 hours per week.

• Mentors must attend all trainings and meetings required to administer the program as outlined.

• Document sessions as per program guidelines.

• Submit reports of peer mentoring activities monthly.

• Communicate any concerns to Peer Coordinator.

• Be available as a resource for mentees.

• Attend regular supervision with Peer Coordinator as scheduled.

• Complete required documentation regarding mentoring activities.

• Coordinate with Pre-ETS Specialists services for your mentees.

• Attend social events as arranged by Peer Coordinator.

Peer Mentors will help Program Students:

• Gain awareness of employment resources and how to access them.

• Become familiar with skills necessary for success in an academic and employment setting.

• Develop goals for future success in employment .

• Increase involvement in employment related activities.

• Build self-confidence and self-advocacy skills.

• Identify resources for current and future assistance with achieving employment goals.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• A Bachelor’s degree in social services or a related field is required

• A minimum of two years working with consumers

• Proficient at Microsoft Office

PREFERRED SKILLS

• Master’s degree in social service or related field

• Knowledgeable regarding community services.

• Personal experience with a disability

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position has no supervisory responsibilities

COMPETENCIES

• Working knowledge of disabilities and disability oriented issues for children

• Effective written and oral communications skills.

• High energy level and strong interpersonal skills to work with people who have disabilities.

• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines

• Organizational skills

• Understanding of and adherence to the philosophy of Independent Living and the Disability Rights Movement

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position spends a portion of their time in the office, but also will travel locally to visit consumers/clients, meet with service providers or attend meetings. While performing the duties of this job the employee has the potential to encounter unpredictable clients. The position has mostly an inside work environment and occasional outside work, traveling from one location to another, with exposure to weather conditions.

OTHER DUTIES

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The Whole Person is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring staff members reflecting the great diversity of our community. Reasonable accommodations will be made upon request. People with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.