Peer to Peer Mentor

The Kennedy Collective Inc; Bridgeport (CT); On-site; USD 27,552 - 34,440; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Vision and Dental Insurance

Generous PTO

401k

Disability

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

The Kennedy Collective Inc is seeking a part-time Peer Mentor in Bridgeport, Connecticut. This role supports individuals with mental health challenges to find and maintain competitive employment. Duties include relationship building, job coaching, and facilitating workshops. Qualifications include lived experience with mental health recovery, a high school diploma, and strong communication skills. The position offers essential training and an inclusive work environment.

Qualifications

• Lived experience with mental health challenges and recovery.
• Strong communication skills to build rapport.
• Comfort in providing community-based services.

Responsibilities

• Support individuals with mental health challenges in employment.
• Collaborate with Employment Specialists on employment plans.
• Facilitate workshops on various skills.

Skills

Communication skills

Time management

Mentoring

Community service

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Description

Benefits

• Medical, Vision and Dental Insurance
• Generous PTO
• 401k
• Disability
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program

About the Role

The Peer Mentor supports individuals experiencing mental health challenges to pursue and keep competitive employment. Using lived experience in a professional, recovery-oriented way, the Peer Mentor partners with Employment Specialists to build hope, confidence, and practical skills—while honoring each person’s preferences, strengths, and choice.

Part Time

15-hours/week

Schedule TBD

Duties and Responsibilities

• Build respectful, trusting relationships with participants and support person-directed goals
• Collaborate with Employment Specialists and the treatment team to support individualized employment plans
• Support job seekers with identifying transferable skills, exploring careers/education, and building effective work habits
• Provide mentoring and job coaching (before and after job start) to support retention and workplace success
• Support participants in navigating workplace challenges, including disclosure and requesting reasonable accommodations
• Co-Facilitate groups/workshops (e.g., communication, budgeting, stress management, problem-solving, interview practice)
• Conduct outreach and program promotion to increase referrals and community awareness
• Connect participants to community resources (transportation, benefits support, housing, mental health/addiction services)
• Complete intakes, wellness planning, and timely documentation in the electronic case record
• Participate in training, supervision, and team meetings to maintain IPS model fidelityAssist with job development activities.
• Work as an integral member of each individual’s team.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Lived experience with mental health challenges and recovery, with readiness to use that experience authentically, professionally and ethically
• High School Diploma/Completion or GED required
• Strong communication skills; ability to build rapport and maintain appropriate boundaries
• Ability to work independently, manage time, and meet documentation expectations
• Comfort providing community-based services and traveling locally
• One year of experience facilitating support groups and/or providing individual supports for people with psychiatric disabilities.
• Understand the vocational challenges and issues facing individuals with psychiatric disabilities.
• Must have a work history and strong work ethic.
• Must be willing to serve as a role model.
• Valid Drivers License.
• Reliable means of transportation for accessing community
• Knowledge and skills in Microsoft Office and the internet.
• Work a flexible schedule that may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.

Physical Requirements

• Move weights up to 15 pounds on an occasional basis.

The Kennedy Collective invests in the success of all new employees by providing an immersive new hire orientation and training experience. Here’s what you can expect if you’re hired:

• Two-week new hire orientation including an introduction to the agency, site tours, and employer-funded CPR & PMT certification.
• Two weeks of job-specific trainings and shadowing at your worksite
• Check-ins with Human Resources after your first 30, 60, and 90 days

The Kennedy Collective is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and the individuals we serve.