Peer Mentor

St Vincent De Paul Cares•Orlando, FL

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.
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
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

Nice To Haves

Experience or education with human services and homelessness is a plus

Responsibilities

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
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
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
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