Re-entry Peer Mentor - Part Time

Goodwill Keystone Area; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); On-site; USD 30,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Goodwill Keystone Area is seeking a Re-entry Peer Mentor to assist participants of the First Step Act/reSTARt program in Harrisburg. This role involves providing motivation, guidance, and support for job searching and life skills development.

The ideal candidate will have lived experience with the criminal justice system and a high school diploma. Responsibilities include connecting participants with resources and maintaining confidentiality. Goodwill values diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Qualifications

• Lived experience with the criminal justice system as a formerly incarcerated individual.
• Must have an operating telephone.
• Valid driver's license and completed motor vehicle check annually.

Responsibilities

• Provide support to participants regarding employment and education.
• Connect participants to community resources.
• Attend quarterly Peer Mentoring events.

Skills

Basic computer literacy

Effective communication

Relationship building

Interactive Peer Mentoring

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Description

Position: Re-entry Peer Mentor

Department: Mission Services

Reports to: Re-entry Lead Peer Mentor

Status: Non-Exempt

Goodwill Keystone Area is committed to creating a culture of belonging where all people feel respected and valued. This is because we celebrate the diversity of thought, the richness of the human experience and the desire to reflect the communities we serve.

Summary

The Re-entry Peer Mentor will work one-on-one with First Step Act/reSTARt program participants to build trust, provide motivation, and offer guidance on decision-making, job searching, and building social capital. Additionally, Re-entry Peer Mentors will work with participants to learn crucial life skills to support them in becoming self-sufficient, responsible, and productive community members.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide support to participants regarding work-related issues as a part of the participant's reentry plan.


• Connect program participants to community resources and assist them in building natural supports.


• Meet with program participants at least two times a month as mutually agreed upon by the Peer Mentor and participant which aligns with established program procedures.


• Provide the participant with support and guidance in the areas of employment, education and life skills.


• Attend quarterly Peer Mentoring events scheduled by Goodwill Keystone Area.


• Serve as a role model of positive behavior


• Serve as an advocate for the interests, needs, and rights of the participant.


• Serve as a liaison for participant feedback to the lead mentor and service navigator.


• Meet regularly with the lead mentor and service navigator to provide updates.


• Maintain confidentiality of the participant and maintain appropriate and professional relationships with the participant.


• Coordinate positive social and educational activities for the participant.


• Ensures that information and files are maintained in hard copy and a digitized files in accordance with the FSA grant requirements. Timely completion of all reporting is also required for grant compliance.


• Thorough knowledge of principles of reentry and Peer Mentoring and all grant requirements and regulations.


• Promotes an environment of workplace safety. Ensures that duties are performed in a safe manner and safety requirements are adhered to.


• Communicates progress, problems, and concerns to the Re-entry Lead Peer Mentor.

Positions Supervised

None

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.


• Lived experience with the criminal justice system including personal experience as a formerly incarcerated individual is required based on the grant funding. A First Step Act/ReSTARt participant is eligible to become a Peer Mentor when they have reached their second quarter post-exit from the First Step Act/ReSTARt program.

Skills/Abilities/Qualifications

• Must have an operating telephone, so that he/she may be contacted quickly by Goodwill Keystone Area when necessary.


• Basic computer literacy. Email, Google Searching, etc.


• Ability to create and deliver interactive Peer Mentoring activities.


• Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with our partners, other staff, funders, and community members.


• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with staff, partners, funders, and the community served.


• Adherence to safety guidelines policies, and security protocols established by Goodwill Keystone Area and ensuring program re-entrants do the same.


• Must possess a valid driver's license and satisfactorily complete a motor vehicle check on an annual basis.


• Ability to travel within Goodwill Keystone Area territory.


• Must complete and successfully pass Criminal Record Check, Child Abuse Clearance, FBI Clearance, and Bureau of Prison background investigation.

Goodwill Keystone Area is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws that prohibit discrimination in employment. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to disability or status as a protected veteran.