Peer Mentor I

Company: Arizona's Children Association
Location: Gilbert
Posted on: June 12, 2021

Job Description:

Would you like to help build a stronger Arizona for children and families? Would you like to make a direct impact, right in your own community? We have a great opportunity for you to join our team as a Peer Mentor! As a Peer Mentor with Arizona's Children Association you will have the opportunity to provide support and guidance to youth who are in the custody of the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS), or who have previously experienced foster care.

• Lived experience in the foster care system required*

Who We Are:

Founded in 1912, Arizona's Children Association is one of the oldest and largest statewide comprehensive child welfare and behavioral health not-for-profit agencies in Arizona. Located in all 15 Arizona counties, we provide a variety of programs and services to meet the needs of more than 40,000 children, youth and families each year. When working with AzCA, you'll be surrounded by highly talented and dedicated individuals who are committed to our mission of protecting children, empowering youth, and strengthening families.

Why You'll Love Working for Us:

At Arizona's Children Association, our employees are our most valuable asset; and as such we offer a wide range of benefits to aid your health and wellness including:

• We have a whole new comprehensive benefits package for 2021! Click hereto view our 2021 Benefits Guide for full details!
• All full time employees working 30 hours or more per week are eligible and we offer several plans for Medical, Dental, and Vision so you can choose the option right for you and your family!
• Plans are effective the first of the month following 30 days of employment

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Savings Account (HSA), Life and AD&D, Short Term Disability and Long Term Disability, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and more!

• Employee Wellness and Support Time every Friday morning
• Flexible Schedules
• Generous paid time off, paid sick leave, and 8 paid holidays
• 403B Retirement Savings Plan provided through Mutual of America
• Tuition Reimbursement and Discounts

Find your passion. Join our team!

What You'll Do:

Essential Job Functions:

• Empowers youth to resolve current issues and develop strategies for the future.
• Provides a model for healthy, trusting relationships through clear communication and setting appropriate boundaries.
• Acknowledges youth's strengths and talents and encourages them to find ways to maximize their strengths when building meaningful relationships with family and/or other connections.
• Actively listens and offers support and encouragement.
• Engages in activities outside of the youth's placement to help expose them to new opportunities and experiences.
• Meets in person with assigned youth at minimum, once per month.
• Attends and actively participate as a support to the youth in any internal and/or external meetings.
• Assists in educating the youth to ensure they are making informed decisions related to their placement, education, employment and services.
• Values and builds collaborative relationships with AzCA internal partners and external stakeholders and identifies resources beneficial for the youth they are mentoring.
• Completes required documentation timely and utilizes professional language.
• Maintains and/or continually grows current knowledge of relevant child welfare and behavioral health care resources and shares best practice information, as appropriate.

Minimum Education & Experience:

• High school diploma/GED and some college or post-secondary education.
• Previously involved with the child welfare system within the last seven to 10 years & successfully completed their case plan.
• Experience working with youth involved in DCS providing encouragement through first-hand experience and motivation to the youth.

Minimum Qualification & Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age (licensing requirement).
• Possess a valid Arizona driver's license and be insurable under the agency's automobile policy.
• Must be able to provide own transportation to and from clients' homes and/or other relevant organizations/agencies
• Must be able to provide DPS fingerprint clearance.
• Must be able to meet training and agency compliance requirements for the position. An individual may qualify for this position if the individual is able to "perform safely" the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

AzCA is an EEO/Veterans/Disabled/LGBTQ employer

Keywords: Arizona's Children Association, Gilbert , Peer Mentor I, Other , Gilbert, Arizona