Peer Counselor

Full Time Toms River Office, Toms River, NJ, US

Salary: $41,500.00 Annually

The Peer-to-Peer Navigators (P2PN) are young adults that can harness their lived experiences in navigating foster care to engage, empower and connect with youth currently involved with the child welfare system. As compared to other professionals working with the foster care system who may lack these unique experiences and perspectives, P2PN serve as credible messengers that may be better positioned to authentically and meaningfully engage with youth experiencing a range of feelings as they enter the foster care system.

The role of the credible messenger is crucial to the P2P Program. Credible messengers develop authentic long‑term relationships with young people. They stay connected, serving as real and present guides as youth navigate the difficult path of life, and offer firsthand wisdom about challenges youth face while navigating the foster care system.

Must have at least a GED or High School Diploma with lived experience in NJ Foster Care/Out of Home Placement.

P2P navigators are considered  near peers  and are required to be relatable to the youth.

License:
Valid driver's license in good standing.

Ocean County NJ

Full Time

Schedule:

35 Hours Per Week

Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexibility Spending Account, Life and LTD Insurances, 403(b) plans

PTO:
Vacation, Sick, Personal, Wellness, and Holidays

• Harness owned lived experience navigating foster care to engage, empower and connect with youth who are currently involved with the child welfare system.
• Serve as mentors, role models and  system navigators  to youth (ages 14-21) who are in the DCF foster care system and preparing for adulthood.
• Responsible for supporting the philosophy, mission and purpose of P2P, and its strength‑based, trauma and healing informed care services to assist the youth in leading self‑directed lives centered on fostering authentic goals‑centered partnerships.
• Connect youth to resources and services necessary to support their individual growth and success.
• Assist youth in the foster care system to understand the different and key roles that various professionals such as child welfare, legal professionals (Law Guardian), advocates (CASA), and behavioral health system professionals (CSOC, CMO) play in their lives.
• Establish rapport with youth and provide guidance in youth’s identification, development, and planning of specific, measurable, achievable goals to pursue.
• Ensure that youth assessments and data entry are completed on time.

This is a brief description only of the position. Anyone interested may request a full job description from the human resource department.

The Children s Home Society is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer M/F/D/V. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.