Peer Mentor

Wayside Youth; Arlington (MA); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Job summary

Wayside Youth & Family Support Network is hiring a Peer Mentor for Young Adult Services in Arlington, MA. The role emphasizes empathetic, strengths-based peer support and group facilitation for young adults navigating mental health challenges.

The position requires lived experience, a valid driver’s license, and the ability to travel in the community. Salary ranges with a sign-on bonus are provided, reflecting experience and certification.

Qualifications

• Lived experience with mental health challenges and/or trauma.
• Willingness to share recovery story to support others.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle required for community travel.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate activity-based and support groups for young adults.
• Provide one-on-one support using lived experience to inspire hope and guidance.
• Promote skill building in social functioning, coping, and daily living.
• Contribute to policy advocacy and systems change efforts.

Skills

Empathy & listening

Communication skills

Risk assessment

Adaptability

Professional boundaries

Tools

Motivational Interviewing

ARC Model

Trauma-Informed Practice

Risk & Safety Assessment

Substance Use Intervention

Job description

Peer Mentor - Young Adult Services

Arlington, MA

Salary Range: $20.50 - $24.00/hour depending on experience and certification + sign on bonus (half paid after 6 months of employment and half paid after 1 year of employment/pro-rated for part-time).

Wayside Youth & Family Support Network is hiring for creative and empathetic Peer Support Specialists with personal "lived" experience in the behavioral health system. We provide a supportive culture that is team-focused and places value on healthy work dynamics.

What you will do:

• Facilitate activity based and support groups for young adults with mental health concerns.
• Use your story and experience to provide hope, information, advocacy and one on one support to young adults learning to manage their mental health challenges.
• Promote skill building in the life domains of: social functioning, symptom management, coping skills and activities of daily living.
• Contribute to system change through policy advocacy.

Competencies/Traits of Our Superstars:

• Talent connecting with people.
• Strong communication skills – both written and verbal.
• Ability to assess and manage risk.
• Flexibility and creative thinking with an ability to adapt.
• Strong boundaries.

Minimum Requirements:

• Lived experience managing your own mental health, emotional health and/or trauma resulting in significant life disruption.
• Wiliness to share your recovery story in the context of peer support.
• Driving in the community is a requirement of this position; please ensure you have a valid driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle.

We will train you in Motivational Interviewing; Courageous Conversations; Attachment, Regulation and Competency Model (ARC); Trauma Informed Practice; Substance Use Intervention; Risk and Safety Assessment.