Peer Mentor

JOB PURPOSE: The peer mentor engaging in face to face contact (in-person or via Zoom or other telecommunication application) with the individual to discuss his/her specific interests/desired outcomes related to realizing greater independence and the barriers to achieving them.

• The peer mentor explaining community services and programs and suggests strategies to the individual to achieve his/her desired outcomes, particularly related to living more independently, engaging in paid employment and expanding social opportunities in order to reduce the need for supports from family members or paid staff.

• The peer mentor providing information from his/her experiences to help the individual in problem solving, decision making, developing supportive community relationships and exploring specific community resources that promote increased independence and community integration.

• The peer mentor assisting the individual in developing a personal plan for accessing the identified integrated community activities, supports, services, and/or resources

• Provide support and skill building, to individual’s served by The Arc of Southside, as defined by each person’s Individual Support Plan.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Completed Peer Mentor Training and successfully completed competencies
• Past or present recipient of developmental disability services
• Have lived independently in the community for at least 1 year

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide guidance, resources and emotional support based on Mentee needs and goals
• Mentors will plan with Mentees times to talk/meet and work on goals
• Complete notes of Peer Mentor contact in a timely and accurate manner
• Use preferred technology to connect with Mentee
• Participate in Individual Support Plan meetings for Mentees
• Assure that the philosophy of individual choice is implemented and considered in programs and services
• Represent The Arc in a professional manner within the community
• Attend all meetings and training sessions, as required

COMPETENCIES:

To perform the job successfully, you must demonstrate the following competencies:

Supporting with Integrity - Exhibits ethical and moral behavior in everyday business conduct; Earns trust of others by disclosing information and admitting mistakes; Recognizes and resolves ethical questions; Ensures organizational ethics are widely understood; Encourages open discussion of ethical issues; Creates an environment that rewards ethical behavior.

Relationship Building - Builds rapport up, down, and across the organization; Establishes collaborative relationships to achieve objectives; Seeks win-win solutions to conflict; Develops network of professional contacts; Displays empathy and tolerates diverse viewpoints.

Communications - Clearly expresses ideas and thoughts verbally; Clearly expresses ideas and thoughts in written form; Exhibits good listening and comprehension; Keeps others adequately informed; Selects and uses appropriate communication methods.

** The above is intended to describe the minimum general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements and may be modified by the Director.