What are the responsibilities and job description for the Peer Mentorship Program Specialist position at Goodwill of SWPA?
Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania and North Central West Virginia is a nonprofit organization that funds job training, education, and other community programs by selling donated clothing and household items in Goodwill stores and online. We offer life-changing work on a mission-minded team. We are 1,000 working as one, and each of us is essential to helping our community thrive. For three years running, Goodwill has been named to Forbes’ list of America’s “Most Inspiring Companies”.
We offer a wide range of career opportunities from entry level to management in retail, human services, and administrative fields. Learn more about working at Goodwill. You can help. We can show you how.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Peer Mentor Program Specialist serves as the site lead for the First Step Act/reSTARt Peer Mentoring Program across Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania’s service territory. This position provides leadership, coaching, and oversight to Peer Mentors to ensure high-quality, compliant, and participant-centered service delivery that supports successful reentry and reduces recidivism.
Drawing on lived experience with the criminal justice system, the Peer Mentor Program Specialist builds trust and credibility with participants, provides trauma-informed support, anticipates reentry challenges, and fosters accountability—leading to stronger engagement, stability, and positive reentry outcomes.
This position plays a key role in advancing Goodwill’s mission by supporting justice-involved individuals in achieving employment, stability, and long-term self-sufficiency.
This project is grant funded and expected to end September 2027.
Duties include but are not limited to:
- Ensure program implementation aligns with organizational standards, grant requirements, and evidence-based reentry practices.
- Support Peer Mentors in managing complex participant needs and barrier resolution.
- Collaborate with workforce staff, case managers, and community partners to support seamless service delivery.
- Monitor Peer Mentor engagement, documentation, and adherence to program standards.
- Serve as the site lead for the First Step Act/reSTARt Peer Mentoring Program across the Goodwill SWPA territory.
- Identify service gaps and implement continuous improvement strategies.
External Hiring Range: $18.11 up to $21.16/HR
QUALIFICATIONS:
- High School Diploma AND 5 years of experience required. OR
- Associates AND 3 years of experience required.
Required Experience:
- Experience in providing vocational services, workforce training, mentoring, or direct support services.
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Experience working with justice-involved individuals to reduce recidivism.
REQUIRED CLEARANCES, LICENSES, AND CERTIFICATIONS:
- Candidates are expected to provide current clearances (Child Abuse, FBI Fingerprints, and PATCH) prior to first day of employment.
- Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
Salary : $18 - $21