Peer Mentor

Job Title: Peer Mentor

Organization: Shaping Our Appalachian Region

Project: EKY Runway Project - Outreach and Retention (O&R)

Position Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Location: Eastern Kentucky (Serving Bell, Floyd, Harlan, Johnson, Knott, Knox, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, Perry, and Pike counties)

Reports To: Peer Mentor Manager

The Peer Mentor will serve as a strategic navigator for prime age employment gap (PAEG) participants, combining individualized mentorship with program execution. This position requires advanced judgement and the ability to influence project strategies, coordinate partner networks, and guide participants towards successful long-term employment outcomes.

This role will be in office 5 days a week. Satellite offices are located throughout the 54-county service territory.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Client Strategy & Mentorship:
   1. Support individualized employment training plans
   2. Conduct advanced mentoring that includes goal setting, employment tracking, and barrier mitigation
   3. Evaluate and adjust support approaches using measurable feedback and performance data
2. Operational Input & Coordination:
   1. Lead the integration of peer support practices into broader project outreach efforts
   2. Serve as a liaison to community partners, contributing insights to improve partner network strategies
   3. Consult with program leadership to refine project procedures based on client trends and regional needs
   4. Support client success in working with their Empowerment Coach and working through training plans
3. Compliance, Reporting, & Data-Driven Adjustments:
   1. Maintain detailed client progress records and ensure CRM entries meet data accuracy and compliance standards
   2. Provide ongoing strategic reporting to SOAR leadership on regional client outcomes, barriers, and programmatic recommendations
   3. Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies in alignment with SOAR protocol
4. Training & Resource Development:
   1. Contribute to the design and facilitation of peer mentor training and onboarding practices
   2. Assist in building and maintaining a centralized repository of support service resources

Expectations

• Previous experience working with individuals facing barriers to employment, such as returning citizens, individuals with disabilities, or long-term unemployed individuals, strongly preferred.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and establish trust with diverse populations inside the PAEG.
• Building and maintaining relationships with clients, stakeholders, and partners
• Empathetic and non-judgmental attitude, with a genuine desire to help project clients succeed.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to effectively prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities.
• Knowledge of community resources and support services for individuals seeking employment preferred.
• Familiarity with basic computer skills, including word processing, email, and internet research.
• Conducting risk assessments and implementing mitigation strategies
• Acting in a manner that ensures compliance with legal, regulatory, and organizational standards
• Positive attitude
• Regular and reliable attendance required
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment
• Must be able to handle prolonged periods of sitting at a desk or standing at an event
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time when necessary

Culture and Core Values

SOAR's mission is simple: empower every Eastern Kentuckian to economic self-sufficiency through meaningful employment.

Our team culture is anchored by putting the interests of Eastern Kentucky first in all that we do. We believe treating others the way we want to be treated is always within our control. Our core values include faith, selflessness, grit, integrity, and empathy. We do our best to exemplify these daily in our interactions with each other and with external partners.

Apply Now

SOAR is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.