Peer Mentor Specialist bei Native American Youth And Family Center

Description

NAYA Family Center is seeking a Peer Mentor Specialist to support homeless youth ages 18–24 who are impacted by drugs and alcohol. This role engages youth in recovery-oriented activities, promotes healthy decision-making, and provides encouragement as they navigate homelessness and housing instability. The Peer Mentor Specialist models cultural humility, blends a recovery model with a harm-reduction approach, and works collaboratively with NAYA staff and Homeless Youth Continuum partner agencies to strengthen supports for young people in recovery.

This is a part-time role, working around 20 hours a week. Some evening and weekend work may be required based on project needs. The pay rate for this position is $20 per hour.

Who You Are

• Ideally, you have lived or professional experience working with diverse populations, particularly within Native American communities.
• You have experience working with youth from diverse backgrounds, including those experiencing homelessness and substance use challenges.
• You are committed to trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and culturally responsive services.
• You are familiar with local community resources, emergency services, and social service agencies, especially for low-income and diverse populations.
• You connect with clients in ways that motivate better outcomes while demonstrating patience, empathy, and accountability.
• You communicate clearly, listen without judgment, and build trust while maintaining healthy boundaries.
• You possess strong communication skills, engaging effectively with diverse groups and adapting to varied contexts.
• You demonstrate self-awareness, listening deeply, centering others, and taking accountability for your actions.
• You are motivated to help young people access resources and achieve their goals.
• You practice good judgment in problem-solving and crisis management, maintaining composure in high-pressure situations.
• You excel at staying organized under multiple deadlines and shifting priorities.
• You thrive in a team-oriented workplace, are adaptable, and are willing to roll up your sleeves and pitch in, even when it’s not your job.
• You are consistently punctual, reliable, and dependable in support of your team and clients.
• You are proficient in computer skills, including web-based research, word processing, MS Excel, and email. 

What You'll Do

• Mentor and support youth through recovery-oriented and pro-social activities.
• Build rapport by connecting with youth in community spaces and sharing information about programs and supports.
• Provide advocacy and direct assistance, including accompanying youth to appointments, counseling sessions, and support groups.
• Assist youth in accessing housing, health care, recovery groups, benefits, and other community resources.
• Collaborate with case managers, counselors, and partner agencies to provide wraparound services.
• Document services and outcomes in alignment with program and funding requirements.
• Represent NAYA and the program in the community, building visibility and strong partnerships.

Read the full job description here.

Application Instructions Providing a cover letter helps us best understand your interest in the role, so we encourage you to submit one along with your resume. If you need accommodation during the application process, please email [email protected].

Questions? Want to chat about this role before you decide to apply? Contact Cheyenna Kimbol, Youth Housing Manager, or the HR team.

NAYA is committed to building a work environment that respects and inspires every community member. Our mission is to serve Urban Native youth and families, so we strongly encourage members of the Native community to apply. We encourage applications from members of other historically marginalized groups, as well, including women, people of color, those with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and those who have served in the military.