DescriptionPosition Type: Peer Support Worker (Mentor) - Back to Our Future 2.0 Department: VPS - Back to Our Future 2.0 (B2OF 2.0) Reports to: Life Coach or Program Supervisor Employment Type: Full-Time (flexible scheduling, includes evenings and weekends) Program Overview: Back to Our Future 2.0 (B2OF 2.0) is a youth reengagement program that serves young people ages 14-21 who are disconnected from school and impacted by community violence, trauma, or justice system involvement. The program provides high-touch, wraparound services to help youth heal, grow, and successfully return to education or training pathways. Position Objective and Summary: The Peer Support Worker (Mentor) plays a vital role in connecting with and supporting youth through shared lived experience. This position offers mentorship, encouragement, and accountability while helping youth build resilience, restore hope, and reengage in school or positive pathways. Peer Support Workers serve as relatable role models, trusted listeners, and consistent adult figures in a young person's life. Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
- Build trusting, consistent relationships with youth through one-on-one and group engagement.
- Share relevant personal experiences in appropriate, affirming ways to help youth feel seen, heard, and empowered.
- Support youth in identifying short- and long-term goals related to education, wellness, and life skills.
- Assist Life Coaches and Case Managers in carrying out Individual Reengagement Plans by encouraging youth participation and providing informal check-ins.
- Accompany youth to appointments, school visits, or program activities when needed.
- Model healthy decision-making, emotional regulation, and conflict resolution.
- Support youth in navigating challenges, celebrating progress, and staying connected to positive influences.
- Attend community events, program workshops, and staff meetings.
- Document interactions and provide updates to program staff on youth progress and concerns.
- Maintain healthy boundaries and confidentiality at all times.
Education/ Job Experience/Certifications:
- Is 21 years of age
- High School Diploma/GED required. Has individual lived experience, or experience as a caregiver of a child, with behavioral health needs.
- Bachelor's degree preferred or significant experience working with high-risk, street-involved individuals.
Special Knowledge and Qualifications:
- Has individual, lived experience with firearm violence, either directly or through community exposure.
- Demonstrates the ability to work within agency structure, accept supervision, and participate as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.
- Has completed or will complete training through the Metropolitan Peace Academy upon hire.
- Willingness to learn and commit to the principles of nonviolence, restorative justice, and trauma-informed practices.
- Strong interpersonal skills, conflict resolution skills, and the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
- Knowledge of computers, including Word, Excel, and the Internet.
- Ability to work with a team, respond well to supervisor direction, be flexible and dependable, and demonstrate initiative.
- Strong interpersonal skills, conflict resolution skills, and the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to demonstrate sensitivity to the service population's cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.
- Work is performed in the office and in the field. A valid driver's license, access to a vehicle, proof of liability insurance, and/or reliable means of transportation are required.
- Availability to work a flexible schedule (including evenings and weekends).
- A background check is required before being hired.
- Working knowledge of principles of trauma recovery and trauma-informed care.
- Experience or training in crisis intervention.
- First-hand knowledge of the community and knowledge of current street conflicts, hyperlocal knowledge of at least one Chicago community area of focus impacted by a history of gun violence.