Peer Support Specialist

Position Title: Peer Support Specialist

Reports to: Project Director

Location: Atlantic County, NJ (this position will involve both in-person and remote work)

Status: Parttime hourly

Position Summary:

The Peer Support Specialist will serve as an instrumental component of a violence interruption & diversion effort lead by the Atlantic County Prosecutor Office called the Alternative Prosecution for Positive Outcomes (APPO) program. The APPO program is designed for individuals that are involved in the justice-system either due to facing a current charge or on probation. The program addresses a variety of services and needs including grief & trauma, violence prevention, coping skills, psychoeducation, and connection to ongoing community resources. The Peer Support Specialist will assist this program through two primary functions. One, by coordinating and engaging alumni participants of the APPO program in an ongoing support group and facilitating these group sessions. Secondly, the Specialist will provide skills training sessions to family members of active APPO participants to support additional needs of participant inner social circle.

This position requires frequent travel across the greater Atlantic City area and a flexible schedule. The position will involve close collaboration with prosecutors and community stakeholders in Atlantic County, New Jersey.

Key Responsibilities:

· Facilitate weekly groups that focus on fostering support, wellbeing, and maintaining a positive trajectory.

· Perform outreach to participants to recruit, coordinate, and enroll them in the support group.

· Co-develop agenda items for the group meetings, including identifying session topics that respond to the needs of group members.

· Develop trusting relationships with participants.

· Perform regular outreach to families of participants to arrange and coordinate family meetings.

· Delivery skills building programming to family members of participants in the APPO program.

· Provide support services in person and over virtual platforms

· Assist in the ongoing development of project materials.

· Maintain frequent and detailed communication with Project Director and team members.

· Fully participate in training and continued education for skill development as required by WEI.

· Attend and participate in regular team meetings.

· Perform additional duties as assigned that relate to the project.

Required Qualifications:

· A high school diploma or GED

· Skill at building rapport and facilitating interactive group discussions

· Prior involvement with the justice system

· Ability to adapt to various work hours, including evenings and weekends, when needed.

· Must have reliable transportation and a current and active driver’s license.

· Must have reliable internet and phone access.

Preferred Qualifications:

· A bachelor’s degree in human services field

· Familiarity with the court process and relevant system stakeholders involved in a court hearing

· Highly familiar with Atlantic County including various neighborhoods, local resources, and community dynamics.

Location:

This position is location-specific and must be in, or within driving distance of Atlantic City, NJ for the duration of the contract period.

Work Environment & Benefits:

· The anticipated pay range is $27-$30 per hour, commensurate with experience and qualifications

· This position is expected to require between 12-20 hours per week.

To Apply

Send a cover letter and resume to Rachel@wellbeingandequity.org

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

WEI is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We seek to create a workplace that celebrates diversity and includes perspectives from backgrounds that vary by race, ethnicity, social background, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, and national origin. We strive to be an antiracist organization, continuously challenging ourselves and using our influence to support a culture of learning, empowerment, and equity. Applicants should demonstrate knowledge of and concern for equity issues and an understanding of how disparity influences the experiences of people impacted by the criminal and juvenile justice systems.
Who WEI Are

Wellbeing & Equity Innovations (WEI) is a non-profit, multidisciplinary team committed to assisting justice and community partners with transforming their systems. Our mission is to promote thriving individuals, families, and communities by providing services and support to those involved in the criminal justice system and the people and policymakers who serve them. Our multidisciplinary team supports system transformation through a blend of rigorous research, technical assistance, and evidence-informed practices. WEI also deploys skilled clinicians and social workers to deliver direct services and train partners to build

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $27.00 - $30.00 per hour

Expected hours: 12 per week

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Mays Landing, NJ 08330