Bilingual Peer Navigator - EnlightenMENT (5756)

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Location: Cape May, NJ

Job Type/Status: Full Time

Program Summary: 

The EnlightenMENT program provides young males and females ages 14 to 21-year-olds, and in the care of DCF's Division of Child Protection and Permanency (CP&P), with peer support using trained professional staff with lived experience in the state's child welfare system. The EnlightenMENT program delivers supportive services, including advice, guidance, and empowerment strategies, that assist young people to navigate and thrive while involved in New Jersey's foster care system.

Position Summary

The EnlightenMENT Peer Navigator is a young adult with lived experience in foster care who provides mentorship and support to youth and young adults (YYA) ages 14-21 currently involved in the child welfare system. Serving as a credible messenger, the Peer Navigator builds authentic,trusting relationships and supports YYA in navigating systems, strengthening connections, and preparing for adulthood. Peer Navigators work with youth across a range of permanency goals, including reunification, adoption, kinship legal guardianship, and independent living. Through individualized, goal-oriented mentorship, they support YYA in building communication, self-advocacy, and decision-making skills while connecting them to supportive relationships and community resources.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Engagement

• Builds and maintains trusting relationships with YYA by honoring their pace, readiness, and preferences.
• Encourages consistent engagement by creating opportunities for re-engagement without judgment.
• Establishes and maintains appropriate boundaries, clearly communicating expectations and obtaining consent when engaging in activities or sharing information.
• Uses lived experience appropriately to support YYA goals while maintaining a balance between sharing and active listening.
• Provides clear, honest, and developmentally appropriate information about situations, options, and available supports.
• Models healthy behaviors and reinforces positive decision-making
• Documents interactions accurately and in alignment with program expectations

Empowerment and Skill Building

• Provides structured, individualized mentorship to support YYA in achieving personal goals.
• Supports development of communication, self-advocacy, and problem-solving skills.
• Implements skill-building activities (e.g., role play, scenario practice) to strengthen readiness and confidence.
• Models and reinforces coping, self-care, and decision-making strategies.
• Encourages YYA to actively participate in meetings and speak for themselves in appropriate settings.
• Provides constructive, strengths-based feedback to support growth and learning.
• Supports YYA in identifying goals and taking steps toward independence

Connection

• Supports YYA in identifying, accessing, and utilizing community resources aligned with their goals.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of local resources, services, and opportunities.
• Connects YYA to educational, vocational, and supportive services as appropriate.
• Builds and maintains relationships with community partners, including schools, community
• organizations, and service providers.
• Assists YYA in strengthening relationships with supportive adults, peers, and networks.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Must have lived experience in the child welfare system and no longer receiving services
• Bilingual in Spanish

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Have physical assets including balance, coordination and the ability to get up and down on both knees unassisted.
• Ability to walk up and down stairs.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.
• Capability to navigate staircases, uneven terrain, and other physical environments encountered during community visits.
• Ability to sit for extended periods during documentation tasks, group meetings, and administrative tasks.
• Physical endurance to handle a mix of office and community-based activities during the workday.
• Ability to assist youth with daily activities that involve physical movement and participate in group recreational or therapeutic activities.
• Ability to travel to various locations, including family homes, community organizations, and program sites.
• Be comfortable working in various residential settings, including shared spaces and therapy rooms.
• Provide assistance in the use of adaptive equipment & assistive devices for youth with specific needs.
• Ability to use a computer, keyboard, and other office equipment with precision.
• Visual acuity to review documents, input data, and perform detailed tasks.
• Adequate hearing and speech capabilities to engage in conversations, presentations, and phone communication clearly and effectively.
• May be exposed to various smells and odors and may interact with individuals who may not adhere to standards of personal hygiene.
• Ability to meet and fulfill all physical requirements of Handle with Care Training

Benefits:

At the Center for Family Services, our employees are our greatest resource, and we are committed to investing in our staff. We offer a competitive benefits package as well as ongoing resources that will support staff on their personal and professional journey.*

• Excellent paid time off (PTO) program, including vacation, sick, personal, and holiday
• 401k Plan
• Medical insurance plan options
• Dental & Vision Insurance
• Prescription Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health & Wellness Activities
• Ongoing Training & Professional Development Opportunities
• Opportunity for advancement

About Employment at Center For Family Services Apply and get hired at Center For Family Services, a leader in the non-profit sector and named as a top workplace in the region since 2010. As part of our team, you will be recognized as our most valuable resource. Our staff balance best practices with personalized care. Together our team makes a positive difference in the lives of people in need. If you're interested in a rewarding career, Center For Family Services is a great place to grow as a professional. For more information about our top workplace, please visit Center For Family Services website at www.centerffs.org.

Disclaimer All positions require pre-employment drug screening and criminal record checks. Many positions require motor vehicle record evaluations and medical clearances. Center For Family Services is an equal opportunity employer offering competitive salaries and excellent benefits packages.