Lead Peer Specialist at Project: Elevate

The Empowerment Program; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 41,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

The Empowerment Program in Denver is seeking a Lead Peer Navigator for Project Elevate. The role provides high-level support and mentorship to the peer team while maintaining direct client support.

As Lead, you will mentor peers in using WRAP, align with grant priorities to reduce recidivism, coordinate services with the Social Security Office, DFCS, mental health referrals, and housing networks, and guide documentation to meet EMP standards.

Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of the recovery process and mental health signs.
• Restorative Justice skills to assist in grant funding areas.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and using client transportation resources.
• Must hold a valid driver's license and vehicle registration.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-level mentorship to the peer team and model best practices.
• Support grant priorities aimed at reducing recidivism and increasing client engagement.
• Assist peers in identifying and coordinating community resources (SSO, DFCS, mental health, housing).
• Guide documentation of strengths, needs, and progress to meet program standards.
• Support evaluation calls with funders by gathering anecdotal impact evidence.

Skills

Peer expertise

Restorative Justice

Microsoft Office

Driver's license

Communication skills

Job description

Lead Peer Navigator (Project: Elevate)

This "Lead" role is designed to provide high-level support and mentorship to the peer team while maintaining direct client support.

Employment Status

This is a full-time, regular, non-exempt position that occasionally may require work involve evening and weekend work.

Hourly Wage: $30 – $32per hour

General Purpose

To provide intensive, trauma-informed peer support services to women with criminal legal involvement living in Project: Elevate. As a "Lead," this position serves as a primary resource and mentor for other Peer Navigators, ensuring consistency in service delivery and alignment with grant objectives without formal supervisory authority.

Enhanced Job Functions & Lead Support

• Team Mentorship: Serve as a subject matter expert for the peer team on utilizing tools like the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) and sharing personal recovery stories effectively.
• Grant Alignment: Support the team in meeting the specific grant priority of reducing recidivism by increasing client engagement in mental health and substance misuse supports.
• Service Coordination: Assist Peer Navigators in identifying and utilizing complex community resources such as the Social Security Office, Department of Family and Children Services, mental health and treatment program referral, and affordable housing networks.
• Documentation Excellence: Provide guidance to peers on documenting person-centered strengths, needs, and progress within support/recovery plans to ensure compliance with The Empowerment Program standards.
• Modeling Best Practices: Demonstrate advanced techniques in role-playing and modeling to help clients handle social stigmas and problem-solving in the community.
• Evaluation Assistance: Support the Director of Services (Project Manager) during Mid-Year and End of Year Learning Calls with the funder by gathering anecdotal evidence of program impact.

Knowledge & Qualifications

• Peer Expertise: Advanced knowledge of the recovery process and mental health signs/symptoms (e.g., hallucinations or thoughts of self-harm).
• Restorative Justice: Possess the preferred skills in Restorative Justice to assist in the "Alternatives to Jail" funding area.
• Technical & Logistics: Proficiency in Microsoft Office and a valid driver's license, vehicle registration, and insurance for transporting clients to appointments or job sites.
• Core Competencies: Must be a dedicated team player with a positive attitude and strong written/verbal communication skills.

Statement of Flexibility

While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of this position, management reserves the right to revise the job description as necessary to ensure program success.

EEO Statement

The Empowerment Program is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.