Peer Mentor, Worcester, MA

Key Program is seeking Peer Mentor in Worcester, MA, to work with youth ages 14-22 referred by the MA Department of Children and Families (DCF) for comprehensive community-based services.  Working in tandem with Key’s Outreach Caseworker, the Peer Mentor will provide services include supporting, coaching and training the youth in age-appropriate tasks that assist with developing the life skills necessary for independence and autonomy; and to foster the development of life-long relationships with community resources that can support and sustain them throughout their life. Join the Key Program and be part of an organization that values employees and promotes a positive work/life culture. 

Wage:  Competitive hourly wage:  $24.50    

Additional compensation is provided for bilingual skills, on-call rotation, and our generous employee referral bonus program. 

Insurance:  (See attachment for contribution details) 

• Key offers Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Benefits covering over 90% of medical premiums and 70% for dental premiums with low deductibles and co-pays.   

Professional Development:  (See attachment for details) 

• Tuitionassistanceis available for any degree or certification program.  
• Scholarshipopportunities are provided for clinical-related graduate programs. 
• Key is an internship placement site where employees can fulfill internship requirements forcollege credit. 
• Intensive training, professionaldevelopmentand opportunities for advancement. 

Self-Care and Paid Time Off Benefits:  (See attachment for details) 

• 3 weeks/vacation, 2 weeks/sick time, 3 days/personal, 3 days/bereavement and 12 paid.
• holidays for Full-time staff.  
• Free, confidential employeeassistanceprogram for employees and adult household members for support with mental and physical health, financial, family, legal,parentingand other concerns. 

   Other:   

• Mileage reimbursement for work-related travel at a rate of $0.70/mile. 

• 403(b) retirement savings account (tax-deferred).  
• Pre-tax childcare.  

Qualifications:    

• High School diploma, GED orHiSETANDa minimumofthree (3) years of lived experience, preferably within the child welfare system.
• Previousexperience working with children,adolescentsor transition ageyouth(ages 14-22), preferred. 

Requirements:

• Must be 21 years of age or older
• Valid state driver’s license and legally registered and insured car for daily work use 

This job requires daily driving to where the youths’ reside and includes a .70 cents per mile mileage reimbursement.

Responsibilities:  

The Peer Mentor works a mixed schedule of afternoon, evenings and weekend shifts to accommodate youth schedules. 

• develops andidentifiesan anticipatedschedule for meeting with the youth at least one time per week and a timeline for goal completion.
• provides therapeutic interventions in collaboration with Key’s Outreach Caseworkers while engaging the youth in various activities including social, recreational, athletic, creative, educational, vocational, and/or daily life-skills
• engages with youth delivering services in a manner that respects their cultural,ethnicand individual differences;demonstratescultural humility, and sensitivity to gender identity. 
• structures age-appropriateactivitieswith the youthin order tocoach or teach one or more skillsidentifiedin the existing treatmentplan.
• provides servicesin a professional manner ensuring privacy, safety,respectand clear role boundaries for the youth.

• works collaboratively with members of the youths’ team (consisting of community-based providers, lifelong connections, and DCF social workers).
• provides emergency supportto the youth when needed,in accordance withKey’s on-call system.
• prepareswell writtensession notes and documentationaccording to guidelines andtimeframes.

The Key Program is a private, non-profit human services agency whose mission is to support children, families, and emerging adults through trauma-informed, culturally grounded services that strengthen resilience, foster belonging, deepen community connections, and build a foundation for lasting well-being. Key works in conjunction with the MA DCF, DMH, RI DCYF and NH DCYF and is an agency provider of community-based services, residential treatment programming, and outpatient mental/behavioral health services.    

Key is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and committed to hiring employees that reflect the diverse communities that we serve.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race or color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, age, country of ancestral origin, or veteran status.