Youth Peer Support Service Mentor-(PACT-Y Program)

Are you a young adult with lived experience navigating mental health challenges who wants to make a difference in the lives of others? Join our PACT-Y (Program for Assertive Community Treatment for Youth) team as a Peer Mentor! In this role, you'll use your personal journey to support youth ages 14-22 in building hope, resilience, and independence as they work toward recovery and life goals.

When you join The Home for Little Wanderers, you join a team of professionals dedicated to creating better, brighter futures for kids.

For over 200 years, The Home for Little Wanderers has helped build stable lives and hopeful tomorrows for vulnerable children and their families. Our 25+ community-based and residential programs serve thousands of at-risk youths from birth to age 26. Many of these children have experienced abuse, neglect, trauma, or a disrupted family life. As the oldest child welfare agency in America, we provide them with safe surroundings, permanent loving relationships, and a secure path toward a better, brighter future.

How You'll Be Making a Difference

• Provide peer support and mentorship to youth receiving PACT-Y services.
• Share personal experiences to foster trust, connection, and empowerment.
• Support youth in developing self-advocacy, coping skills, and wellness strategies.
• Assist with navigating mental health systems, education, employment, and community resources.
• Participate in team meetings and collaborate with clinicians, case managers, and other service providers.
• Model recovery, self-care, and healthy decision-making.
• Tuesday through Saturday work schedule

Qualifications:

• Lived experience with mental health challenges and/or system involvement (e.g., mental health, foster care, juvenile justice).
• Aged 18-30 preferred, to relate closely with youth participants.
• Ability to share your story in a way that is supportive and empowering to others.
• Strong communication, empathy, and active listening skills.
• Willingness to complete Peer Specialist training (if not already certified).

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working or volunteering in youth services, peer support, or advocacy.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care and recovery-oriented practices.
• Bilingual or bicultural candidates strongly encouraged to apply.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a compassionate, youth-centered team.
• Receive training, supervision, and opportunities for professional growth.
• Help shape a culture of hope and recovery for young people.

What The Home Can Offer You

In addition to the chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of the youth we serve, The Home for Little Wanderers offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including:

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  Generous time off including up to 15 days per year for new full-time employees, plus 11 holidays, and 5 sick days

  
  
• Health and Dental Insurance that is effective immediately upon hire
• Extensive training to new staff
• Tuition reimbursement of up to $2,400 per fiscal year
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with employer match
• Employer paid Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance, plus Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
• And more!

Valuing Diversity

We are committed to excellence in diversity, equity, and inclusion, while simultaneously creating a culture that supports those values. We believe the differences we bring enhance our ability to provide exceptional service and care to diverse children, families, and communities. Moreover, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging align with our values and our mission to help vulnerable children and their families build permanent, positive change.