Peer Navigator at Second Chance Center Inc – Aurora, Colorado

Job Title: Peer Navigator

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt | Full-time

Reports to: Senior Director of Care Management

Department: Care Management

Location: Potomac

Job Summary:

This position is responsible for the direct service and care coordination of enrolled participants of Second Chance Center (SCC) services. The Peer Navigator will accompany enrolled participants and assist in community resource coordination under the guidance of the Director of Care Management. The Peer Navigator will establish effective rapport and maintain engagement with all enrolled participants. The Peer Navigator will maintain professional relationships with various community partners and other nonprofit organizations. The Peer Navigator is also expected to participate in team meetings, training, and other additional duties as assigned by the Director of Care Management. This position plays an integral role in the daily programming of SCC.

Goals and Objectives

• Provide support to the participant to include but not be limited to: modeling effective coping strategies, navigating community resources, and providing prosocial support
• Communicate and collaborate with colleagues, care providers and community resources to seamlessly integrate complex services
• Promote a positive culture of collaboration within Second Chance Center
• Meet productivity/documentation standards for the job role

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Assess the eligibility of participants for programs, complete appropriate intakes, and follow through on necessary referrals.
• Facilitates the following support services: peer mentoring, resource connecting, facilitating and leading groups and helping clients to build community.
• Maintain an active caseload of enrolled participants.
• Assist in the development and implementation of care plans for caseload.
• Conduct regular in-person and phone contact with participants.
• Use motivational interviewing to assist participants through the stages of change.
• Accompany enrolled participants and provide advocacy in scheduled appointments.
• Participate in outreach efforts to reengage enrolled participants based on industry-standard best practices.
• Ensure accurate data entry is completed in a timely manner into appropriate databases.
• Attend regular case staffing and collaborate with Colorado Department of Corrections
• Attend program-related training.
• Enhance professional growth and development through participation in specialized training and other informal learning experiences. Peer Navigators are encouraged to be active in a support community outside the organization.
• Follow all SCC policies and procedures
• Complete all required trainings within required timelines.
• Perform other duties as required within the position's scope and the employee's experience, education and ability. May include services that promote mind-body recovery and resiliency, population health, medication management, educational groups, mentoring and coaching, and navigation of systems to promote improved health and recidivism reduction.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to establish rapport with enrolled participants.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and client/customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.) and ability to use these and other required programs at an intermediate to advanced level.
• Experience working directly with systemically marginalized individuals.
• Ability to reliably commute to work.
• Must have a valid Colorado Driver's License
• Ability to work easily with a wide variety of people.
• Ability to establish priorities in an environment of competing demands.
• Commitment to SCC’s mission and the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Preferred Skills/Competencies:

• Previous experience working with the re-entry population.
• Previous experience in community navigation and service coordination.
• Understanding of trauma-informed and strengths-based care management practices.
• Working Environment, Physical Activities, and Equipment Used: Typical office environment. Regularly uses computers for data input and other work.
• Verbal and written language fluency in Spanish.
• Experience with client de-escalation and conflict management.

Compensation and Merit Increases:

• This is a full-time hourly position (100% FTE) or 40 hours per week. The hourly rate for this position is $21 - $25. Competitive pay commensurate with education and experience. Vacation Leave & Sick Leave, Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance, 401k Plan

Required Education and Experience:

• Has the ability to relate to participants through lived experience with participants struggling with substance use, mental health disorders, and or justice involvement
• 1+ years total experience (paid or volunteer) working in adult re-entry, or with marginalized individuals.
• High School diploma or GED.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, and use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Reach with hands and arms, climb stairs, talk, or hear.
• The employee must occasionally lift or move office products and supplies up to 20 pounds.
• Reasonable accommodation in the work environment may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

About Second Chance Center, Inc.:

Established in 2012, Second Chance Center, Inc. (SCC) is a Colorado-based nonprofit organization recognized as the state’s premier community reentry program and a model for the nation. Our goal is to help formerly incarcerated individuals transition to successful and fulfilling lives. We provide them, along with their support networks, with education, resources, and guidance to successfully reintegrate into the community and cultivate a rewarding life.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

It is the policy of SCC to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and to not discriminate on any basis prohibited by law, including race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, or veteran status. SCC is committed to ensuring that equal employment opportunities are provided in all aspects of employment, including recruitment, selection, compensation, benefits, promotion, demotion, and layoffs.