Peer Mentor - Juvenile Detention Center

Peer Mentor – Juvenile Detention Center

Reports To: Manager of Adolescent Services & Community Engagement

Position Summary: This position provides direct support services to adolescents ages 12–17 who are impacted by substance use disorders, behavioral health challenges, trauma, family conflict, and other high‑risk behaviors. Drawing upon their own lived experience in recovery, the Peer Mentor serves as a mentor, advocate, role model, and motivator, helping youth navigate recovery, treatment, and personal growth.

• Provide individual and group peer support services to adolescents involved in the juvenile justice system, utilizing lived recovery experience to inspire hope, build trust, and promote positive behavior change.
• Facilitate evidence‑based prevention and intervention programs, including Teen Intervene, SBIRT, Motivational Interviewing, substance use prevention education, life skills development, healthy decision‑making, communication, and recovery‑focused groups.
• Assist youth in developing individualized recovery, treatment, discharge, transition, and reentry plans that support long‑term recovery, educational success, and community reintegration.
• Connect youth and families with treatment services, recovery support, educational opportunities, housing, transportation, employment resources, and other community‑based services, ensuring continuity of care through warm handoffs and follow‑up support.
• Collaborate with detention center staff, community supervision officers, treatment providers, schools, families, and community partners to coordinate care and strengthen protective factors.
• Provide education to family members, individuals, and the community about addiction and recovery.
• Coordinate and participate in community outreach, prevention activities, youth engagement initiatives, educational presentations, resource fairs, and advocacy efforts that promote healthy lifestyles and substance‑free communities.
• Maintain current knowledge of prevention and recovery resources, develop community partnerships, and serve as a resource and consultant on adolescent substance use prevention and intervention services.
• Complete timely, accurate, and compliant documentation.
• Maintain patient files and keep prepared for site visits.
• Assist with data collection and program evaluation activities.
• Comply with all CKF policies and procedures and related clinical licensure standards.
• Other duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or GED
• 1 year minimum demonstrated personal recovery experience
• KCPM Certification or willingness to obtain
• Current valid driver’s license

• One year of experience working with adolescents and/or justice‑involved youth.
• One year of experience providing mentoring, peer support, prevention, intervention, or recovery support services.
• One year of experience facilitating groups and connecting youth and families to community resources.

• Knowledge of SBIRT, Motivational Interviewing, and evidence‑based youth prevention and intervention programs.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Ability to maintain appropriate boundaries.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to function well in a high‑paced and at times stressful environment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to interact professionally and support a team‑based continuum of care.
• Ability to always maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
• Ability to maintain regular and predictable attendance.

• Sit – Occasionally - .25 – 2.5 hrs daily
• Stand – Occasionally - .25 – 2.5 hrs daily
• Lift/Carry 0‑10 lbs. – Occasionally - .25 – 2.5 hrs daily
• Walk – Occasionally - .25 – 2.5 hrs daily
• Reach Above – Occasionally - .25 – 2.5 hrs daily
• Bend/Stoop – Occasionally - .25 – 2.5 hrs daily
• Use of hands – Pushing/Pulling – Occasionally - .25 – 2.5 hrs daily
• Use of hands – Fine Manipulation – Continuously – 5.5 – 8 hrs daily
• Stress Level – High

PHI Access Level: Level 2 – This position will have regular access to patient records, no access to employee medical information.

Work Environment: Position is based within a secure juvenile detention center with moderate noise level.

Benefits: Competitive benefits with partial employer paid contributions for health insurance and up to 4% for retirement plans.

FLSA Classification: Hourly Non‑Exempt

Schedule: Full‑time, occasional evenings or weekends may be required.

Location / Category: On‑site