Peer Navigator at Second Chance Center Inc – Aurora, Colorado

Job Title: Peer Navigator

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt | Full-time

Reports to: Employment Opportunity Lab Program Manager

Department: Programs

Location: Potomac

Job Summary:

The Peer Navigator provides direct peer support, engagement, and workforce-focused navigation to participants enrolled in Second Chance Center (SCC) programs, with a primary focus on Employment Opportunity Lab (EOL) services.

This role leverages lived experience to build trust, model prosocial behaviors, and support participants in accessing job readiness services, workforce programming, and employment opportunities. The Peer Navigator plays a key role in supporting participant engagement, follow-through, and retention in employment by helping to identify and address barriers to success.

The Peer Navigator works collaboratively with program staff and career navigators within the EOL to support participant progress, while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries and scope of practice. This is a non-clinical role and does not include the provision of clinical assessment, diagnosis, or treatment.

Goals and Objectives:

• Provide consistent peer support to participants, including modeling workplace readiness, accountability, and prosocial behaviors
• Support participant engagement in EOL programming, including job readiness, job search, and skill-building activities
• Assist participants in identifying and addressing barriers to employment and program completion
• Maintain consistent follow-up with participants to support job placement and retention
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with EOL staff and internal teams to support coordinated service delivery
• Promote a positive, respectful, and collaborative culture aligned with SCC’s mission and values

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Provide peer mentoring and support to participants engaged in EOL workforce programming
• Assist participants in navigating EOL services, including job readiness training, resume development, interview preparation, computer skills, and certification opportunities
• Support participants in utilizing the EOL computer lab and accessing job search tools and online applications
• Conduct regular in-person and phone outreach to maintain engagement and encourage follow-through with program activities
• Utilize motivational interviewing and strengths-based approaches to support participants in achieving employment goals
• Assist participants in identifying and addressing barriers to employment, including transportation, documentation, scheduling, and other challenges
• Conduct follow-up with participants after job placement to support retention, verify employment, and address ongoing needs
• Collaborate closely with Career Navigators and program staff to support participant progress and successful outcomes
• Maintain accurate and timely program documentation in required systems (excluding HMIS)
• Participate in team meetings, trainings, and ongoing professional development opportunities
• Maintain professional relationships with community partners and employers as appropriate
• Adhere to all SCC policies, procedures, and confidentiality standards
• Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the role

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to build rapport and establish trust with participants from diverse backgrounds
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries while leveraging lived experience appropriately
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, participant-centered environment
• Basic to intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office and ability to support participants with basic computer use
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from systemically marginalized communities
• Commitment to SCC’s mission and to principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Reliable transportation and ability to commute to assigned work location
• Valid Colorado Driver’s License

Preferred Skills/Competencies:

• Lived experience with justice involvement, substance use recovery, or mental health recovery
• Experience working in workforce development, job readiness, or employment services
• Experience supporting individuals with job search, resume building, or interview preparation
• Understanding of trauma-informed, strengths-based, and client-centered approaches
• Experience with de-escalation and conflict resolution
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred

Working Environment:

• Office and workforce center environment, including computer lab
• Regular computer use and participant interaction
• Occasional local travel

Compensation:

Hourly rate: $21–$25, commensurate with experience.

Required Education and Experience:

• High School diploma or GED
• Minimum 1 year experience working with justice-involved or marginalized populations
• Relevant lived experience

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and lift up to 20 lbs
• Reasonable accommodations provided

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.