Job: Peer Mentor

Job Description

Job Type: Part time, Hourly

Wage: $14.81/hr.

Location: Salida, Buena Vista, CO.

Job Description:

ABOUT ACHIEVE, INC.: Achieve, Inc. is a local, non-profit social enterprise dedicated to providing meaningful paid employment and supportive experiences to youth and young adults with neurodivergencies and mental health challenges. Our summer job skills program operates the Little Engine Eatery, a gourmet hot dog and brat trailer, offering valuable work experience in a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment.

POSITION OVERVIEW: The Peer Mentor Intern will play a key role in Achieve’s Peers with Purpose initiative, helping build inclusive, supportive, and empowering experiences for young people. As a Peer Mentor, you will assist with outreach, recruitment, and mentoring activities, gaining valuable experience working with neurodivergent peers and strengthening your leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

 Lead youth-focused outreach efforts (school announcements, social media, flyers, etc.) to recruit participants for the summer program.

 Provide peer mentoring and support during food trailer shifts, helping participants learn tasks such as customer service, food preparation, cash handling, and sanitation.

 Facilitate informal check-ins with participants, listening to their feedback and helping address any concerns or challenges.

 Collaborate with staff and participants to develop and promote a welcoming, inclusive environment by establishing behavior norms and addressing issues of exclusion or bullying.

 Assist in organizing and participating in orientation events, family engagements, and celebrations.

 Provide feedback to staff on program materials, recruitment strategies, and participant experiences.

QUALIFICATIONS:

 Currently enrolled high school student; age 16 or older preferred.

 Interest in special education, social work, psychology, or a related helping field.

 Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

 Ability to demonstrate empathy, patience, and positive attitude.

 Commitment to inclusion, respect, and supporting peers with diverse abilities and experiences.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:

 Working cellphone.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS: One aspect of this position takes place in a fast-paced food trailer setting and requires:

 Frequent standing, walking, and occasionally lifting items up to 30 pounds.

 Ability to handle basic math for cash transactions, read simple instructions, and comfortably interact with customers and peers.

 Attention and problem-solving to support and mentor others effectively.

 Ability to navigate a flight of uneven concrete stairs to access basement storage areas.

 Ability to enter and exit the food trailer, which requires stepping up and down a single step.

 Occasional stooping, kneeling, balancing, reaching, crawling, or crouching and performing light physical tasks commonly associated with food service.

BENEFITS:

 Gain paid, hands-on work experience and leadership training.

 Develop skills in mentoring, outreach, teamwork, and communication.

 Contribute positively to your community while supporting your peers.

 Enjoy free lunches during your shifts and participate in valuable job training programs.

SCHEDULE:

 Attend Level Up Job Skills Training April 25th (approx. 6 hours)

 Initial training and outreach activities from April 25 – May 16 (approx. 15 hours total).

 Peer mentoring on approximately two days per week (typically weekends) from May 17 – June 29 (total of 14 days).

 Potential for additional mentoring through mid-August.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS: Reports to the Program Director and the LEAD Mentor. Provides direct mentorship and supervision to program participants.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Interested candidates should apply by April 21, 2025 by contacting Jill Lowry (Jill@AchieveLifeSkills.org) or Jenny Davis (719-221-2124). 

**Disclaimer: The duties and responsibilities described above are not a comprehensive list and additional tasks may be assigned to the employee, time to time; the scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands. Click “View Application” below for more detail on this specific job.