Job: Peer Mentor

Peer Mentor; Adult Services

Southwest Network is a local non-profit behavioral health organization serving both adults and kids within the community. We strive each day to serve our recipients in ways that are creative, collaborative and recovery-oriented within Behavioral Health...and now is your chance to help us continue to apply that vision to the community. By joining Southwest Network, you will be helping us grow into a bigger and even better organization and thus allowing us to accomplish our ultimate goal - to improve the lives of those we are proud and honored to serve.

Primary Functions:
Encourage, assist and support the recipient in expressing his/her perspective throughout the processes of assessment, service
planning and service delivery. Be able to create and facilitate a variety of peer group activities that support and strengthen
recovery. Develop knowledge base and contacts in community to assist with providing needed resources to Individuals and
provide consultation to members of the Adult Clinical Teams on community-based resources. In preparation of the transition from
Child and Adolescent services to the Adult Services for people with Serious Mental Illness, the Peer Mentor will attend the
individual’s Child & Family Team (CFT) meetings, assist the recipient in identifying his/her culture and concerns identified as
they transition into the Adult System of Care.

Knowledge and Ability:
Requires effective interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills. Ability to follow direction, use of sound judgment and
excellent time management skills are essential. Must be able to share common experiences with other recipients regardless of their
circumstances or the severity of their disabilities.

Education and Experience:

Position requires a high school diploma/GED.
Prior recipient of Behavioral Health Services and 1 – 3 years in recovery is required.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Help a recipient to combat negative self-talk, overcome fears, and solve problems
• Help a recipient member articulate, set and accomplish his/her goals
• Teach other recipients to advocate for the services that they want
• Assist consumers in building social skills in the community that will enhance job acquisition and tenure
• Assist non-consumer staff in identifying program environments that are conducive to recovery; lend their unique insight into mental illness and what makes recovery possible
• Develop knowledge base and contacts in community to assist with providing needed resources to Individuals/Families and
provide consultation to members of the Adult Clinical Teams on community-based resources. With the clinical team, assist the Individual/Family in obtaining information regarding support or advocacy organizations for additional support as appropriate and needed
• Communicate opportunities for peers to become involved in the Mental Health System on a variety of levels
• Welcome new peers and family members and build bridges with Case Management staff and overall system partners
• Explain a Person Centered Plan and explain the advantages to peers including explaining advance directives and court-ordered treatment
• As relevant, participates in the Individual Service Planning process and attend clinical staffings, team meetings and any other site location meeting