Peer Mentor

El Paso Center for Children (the “Center” herein)

Service Members, Veterans, and Families (SMVF) Program

Peer Mentor Job Description

Start date: 06/01/2026

Full Time Hourly - $24 (not negotiable)

Position Classification & Compensation: This role is classified as a non-exempt full-time employee as those terms are defined in the Center’s Employee Handbook and is eligible for employee benefits as defined for this classification.

Reports to: Program Director or Designee

Effective: 06/01/2026

Summary: The Peer Mentor engages service members, veterans, their families, and other service-connected participants (e.g., former spouses) with children ages birth to 17 years old through supportive, trust-based relationships, using a strengths-based and culturally responsive approach. This role provides guidance, encouragement, and connection to services that promote family stability, self-sufficiency, and overall well-being. Through mentoring, training, group engagement, and community connection, the Peer Mentor helps participants build skills, navigate challenges, and achieve their goals. Services are delivered in alignment with program expectations. The scope of work for the project or this role is subject to change to ensure all project objectives are completed. All Center for Children team members are expected to be collegial and collaborative, mutually supportive, and focused on excellent services to clients, fidelity to program models, and ethical provision of services.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Outreach
• Conduct outreach to identify, engage, and enroll eligible participants at required levels.
• Build partnerships with a high likelihood of yielding referrals of service-connected family members.
• Present at community events and meetings.
• Identify and access strategic partnerships at Ft. Bliss to secure referrals and opportunities to educate military and veteran stakeholder groups about the program.
• Develop creative ways to identify “hidden” military-connected family members, such as ex-spouses/partners who may no longer have contact with the service member.
• Intake/Enrollment and Ongoing Service Planning
• Deliver services that are culturally responsive, inclusive, and strength-based, honoring the diversity of the families served.
• Conduct intake, assessment, and initial service plan development with families.
• Review and update service plans regularly to ensure progress toward goals.
• Assist families in accessing and coordinating basic needs and community resources (e.g., housing, food, healthcare, transportation).
• Refer families when a higher level of care is required.
• Support transition and closure planning at the end of services to maintain progress and sustainability.
• Provide supportive crisis response during sessions, connecting families to higher levels of care or specialized services as needed.
• Support participant voice and leadership opportunities (e.g., advisory groups, peer-led activities) to enhance program engagement and continuous improvement.
• Training and Mentoring
• Learn and apply evidence-based methodologies and service delivery requirements as determined by the Center and funders.
• Provide skills-based training in groups and one-to-one aligned with curriculum objectives and program models (e.g., Active Parenting, Be Strong Families Parent Cafés).
• Deliver strengths-based mentoring and support, using lived experience (when applicable) to build trust, engagement, and connection with participants and informed by the EMPath Mobility Mentoring model.
• Guide participants in developing problem-solving skills, effective parenting strategies, stress/conflict management, and positive communication to strengthen protective factors and resilience.
• Supervision, Administration, and General Tasks
• Present cases during staffings, engage in peer feedback, and incorporate input to ensure quality service delivery.
• Track and document time and services with accuracy to ensure services are provided according to contract provisions and reimbursement requirements.
• Enter and maintain accurate client data in required systems (e.g., PEIRS, ExtendedReach) in accordance with timelines and standards.
• Complete all client- and program-related documentation according to established guidelines.
• Adhere to agency standards and policies/regulations, including confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Participate in program planning, monitoring, and Performance and Quality Improvement (PQI) processes to maintain fidelity to curricula and contractual obligations.
• Flexibly adapt to changes in staffing, program scope, and service modalities (including virtual service delivery as needed).
• Maintain positive and professional relationships at service sites, including the Center’s campus, schools, client homes, and partner organizations.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Director.
  
  

Skills

• Strong ability to build trust and rapport with participants using a strengths-based and peer support approach.
• Understanding of military culture and the unique experiences of service members, veterans, and their families.
• Knowledge of evidence-based and strength-based service delivery models.
• Effective problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to engage individuals, families, and community partners.
• Ability to connect participants to community resources and navigate systems of care.
• Cultural competence and ability to work with diverse populations.
• Flexibility and adaptability to meet changing program and participant needs.
• Resilience and ability to manage stress while supporting participants in challenging situations.
• Working knowledge of documentation standards, confidentiality, and ethical practices in client services.
  
  

Minimum qualifications for this position include:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree or higher in a related field preferred.
• 2–3 years of experience in a human services role, preferably with that experience including work with military families, veterans, or other military-connected populations.
• Lived experience relevant to the population served (e.g., served in the military/guard/reserves, is or was a spouse or family member to a military member or veteran)
  
  

Must have current access to Fort Bliss or other military installations, or the ability to obtain access.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; comfortable speaking to groups, engaging persons within military and civilian settings, and working one-to-one with family members, children, and youth.
• Experience with mentoring, coaching, or facilitation preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, time management, and organizational skills.
• Basic computer skills, including the ability to use Microsoft Office and program data systems for documentation.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and proof of current insurance in accordance with state requirements.
• Ability to travel within the community and Ft. Bliss for service delivery, outreach, and required trainings/meetings.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, based on program priorities and family schedules.
• Ability to perform essential job functions, including walking, sitting, standing, and lifting up to 25 pounds.
• Experience with program compliance, data systems, or documentation preferred.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
  
  

Personal & Professional Conduct

• The first responsibility of all El Paso Center for Children employees is to ensure the safety, welfare, and dignity of the youth and families the Center serves and to serve as positive role models for them. All employees must exemplify the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct and abide by the Code of Conduct set forth in the Center’s Personnel Policies.
  
  

Flexibility

• Every program at the Center is community and client centered. Working with diverse partners to meet the needs of families in our community demands flexibility. The scope of work is subject to change based on the team’s performance and the funder’s expectations and on agency/management strategic goals. The flexibility needed in this role includes scheduling of meetings/events/activities, training, staff meetings, and out-of-town travel for training and/or grant requirements.
  
  

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