Peer Mentor (Delaware County)

Job Title:                 Peer Mentor   (Delaware County)                                                                                                                                                                                                          

FLSA Status:           Salary Hourly Non-Exempt                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

Work Schedule:       Mon-Fri hours will vary                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Reports To:             Director of Veterans Support Services

Salary:                    $44,000 - $50,000       

Location:                Delaware County with some travel to Broome and Sullivan Counties

                                 (Clear Path for Veterans main campus is located in Chittenango NY.)

Job Summary

Clear Path for Veterans, Inc. (CPV or Clear Path), is Upstate New York’s Veteran Resource Center serving as a hub of information, programs and services for veterans and their families. The Peer Mentor is responsible for assisting Veterans with integrating back into their community by connecting them with programs and services that will accomplish holistic warrior care.  Provide emotional support and referrals for Veterans who are going through a crisis or problematic situation.  Function as a positive role model for all Veterans. The Peer Mentor exercises supervision over a small group of staff.

Primary Functions

1. Respond promptly and with compassion and understanding to inquiries from Veterans.
2. Answer Veteran/client questions, including researching information to provide complete and accurate responses when necessary.
3. Assist with potential Veterans that may need employment assistance.
4. Meet with Regional Manager to review open cases and provide support with overflow caseload as needed.
   1. Develop and disseminate reports as necessary including, but not limited to, outreach events, the activities CPV provides to the community, meetings with community partners, detailed categories of Veterans and family members served.
5. Evaluate Peer Support program effectiveness and efficiency through monitoring all caseloads for the following elements:
   1. Assess ability to function independently with regard to health, financial stability, and housing.
   2. Assess progress in the program, identify areas of holistic warrior care that may need to be adjusted so that it’s ensured the Veteran reaches their goal.
6. Search out and identify potential resources within assigned territories.
   1. This could include, but not be limited to community, state, federal, health, and social resources.
7. Represent, or assist in representing Clear Path for Veterans at a variety of community events and other activities
   1. Identify and form relationships with Veterans encountered at those events.
   2. Approve events and activities for assigned CPV geographic location.
   3. Prepare and facilitate a variety of presentations about Clear Path’s Peer mentor program and Clear Path in general.
8. Manage volunteer participants in the Wingman program.
9. Attend and actively participate in departmental and organizational meetings.
10. Participates in the hiring process with Human Resources for Peer Support program staff as needed.
11. Promote teamwork by communicating regularly and effectively with Regional Manager.
12. Manage submission of credit card receipts to the finance department.
13. Approve PTO leave for assigned employees
14. Complete other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required (Joint Service Transcripts Accepted); Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Psychology or related field preferred and a minimum of 1 years’ experience serving in a supervisory/advisory capacity. Military service sufficient to understand the military culture, required. Combat experience preferred. OR

• Associates degree required (Joint Service Transcripts Accepted); Associates degree in Social Work Human Services, Psychology or related field preferred and a minimum of 2 years’ experience serving in a supervisory/advisory capacity. Military service sufficient to understand the military culture, required. Combat experience preferred.

OR

• An equivalent combination of relevant training and experience. Military service sufficient to understand the military culture, required.  Combat experience preferred.

AND

• Military service or extensive professional experience with military/veteran communities sufficient to understand military culture, structure, and unique service-related challenges

• Must meet one of the following:

Meet requirements of 38 U.S.C. 7402(b)(13) and qualification standards for appointment

Have completed certified peer support training from a recognized program

Be actively pursuing credentials while under qualified supervision per 38 U.S.C. 7402(b)(13)

• Demonstrated experience in crisis intervention

• Must have relevant lived experience related to suicide, mental health, or trauma enabling authentic peer-to-peer connection

• Demonstrated stability in personal recovery and ability to appropriately use lived experience in service of others

• Knowledge of or willingness to become an expert in veteran-specific resources and benefits systems

• Understanding of trauma-informed care principles

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities Needed to Perform Effectively in the Position

• The ability to demonstrate compassion while maintaining appropriate professional conduct boundaries.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• The ability to network, form and maintain positive relationships within the community.
• Leadership ability and the ability to motivate others.
• The ability to analyze issues and suggest resolutions.
• Strong organizational, and prioritization skills; attention to detail.
• Basic computer literacy and proficiency using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and willingness to learn how to new software programs as needed.

Additional Requirements

• Valid New York State driver’s license and must have use of a reliable vehicle.
• Required to travel within New York State during all times of the year.
• Work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Must be comfortable with dogs in the workplace.

Job-related Physical Abilities Needed in Order to Perform the Job in a Satisfactory Manner

Must be able to lift a maximum of thirty-five (35) pounds. Ability to drive and travel in all types of weather conditions.  May sit or stand for long periods of time. Manual dexterity sufficient for constant use of computer keyboard and other office equipment.  Vision sufficient for frequent use of computer monitor; to read and develop paperwork.

• All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Expectations

• All Clear Path for Veterans employees are required to conduct themselves in a professional manner towards others to include but not limited to; Veterans, volunteers, visitors and other Clear Path employees.
• Ensure that Veterans, volunteers, employees, donors and visitors have a positive experience with Clear Path.
• Supports and promotes the Clear Path mission.
• Adheres to Clear Path for Veterans policies and procedures.
• Promotes teamwork amongst coworkers.
• Meets or exceeds expected performance standards, including consistently reporting to work on time prepared to perform the duties of the position.