Peer Navigator - EnlightenMENT

Peer Navigator - EnlightenMENT Children's Aid and Family Services, Inc. - 3.5 Fair Lawn, NJ Job Details Full-time $41,500 a year 1 day ago Benefits Mileage reimbursement Health insurance Dental insurance 401(k) Tuition reimbursement Paid time off Vision insurance Qualifications Computer operation Microsoft Excel Microsoft Outlook Computer literacy High school diploma or GED Driver's License Driving Organizational skills Appointment scheduling Child welfare

Full Job Description Function:

The EnlightenMENT Peer Navigator has lived experience in foster care and provides mentorship and support to youth and young adults (YYA) ages 14-21 currently involved in the child welfare system. Serving as a credible messenger, the Peer Navigator builds authentic, trusting relationships and supports YYA in navigating systems, strengthening connections, and preparing for adulthood. Peer Navigators work with youth across a range of permanency goals, including reunification, adoption, kinship legal guardianship, and independent living. Through individualized, goal-oriented mentorship, they support YYA in building communication, self-advocacy, and decision-making skills while connecting them to supportive relationships and community resources. The Peer Navigator plays a key role in helping young people recognize and build on their strengths, supporting their growth, independence, and overall well-being. This role is community-based and requires flexibility to meet with YYA during after-school, evening, and weekend hours. Peer Navigators participate in weekly supervision and monthly clinical consultation to support their professional development and service delivery. The Peer Navigator is not a therapist or case manager but works alongside professionals to enhance youth engagement and outcomes.

Responsibilities:

Engagement Builds and maintains trusting relationships with YYA by honoring their pace, readiness, and preferences Encourages consistent engagement by creating opportunities for re-engagement without judgment Establishes and maintains appropriate boundaries, clearly communicating expectations and obtaining consent when engaging in activities or sharing information Uses lived experience appropriately to support YYA goals while maintaining a balance between sharing and active listening. Provides clear, honest, and developmentally appropriate information about situations, options, and available supports Models healthy behaviors and reinforces positive decision-making Documents interactions accurately and in alignment with program expectations Empowerment and Skill Building Provides clear, honest, and developmentally appropriate information about situations, options, and available supports Supports the development of communication, self-advocacy, and problem-solving skills Implements skill-building activities (e.g., role play, scenario practice) to strengthen readiness and confidence Models and reinforces coping, self-care, and decision-making strategies Encourages YYA to actively participate in meetings and speak for themselves in appropriate settings Provides constructive, strengths-based feedback to support growth and learning Supports YYA in identifying goals and taking steps toward independence Connection Supports YYA in identifying, accessing, and utilizing community resources aligned with their goals Maintains up-to-date knowledge of local resources, services, and opportunities Connects YYA to educational, vocational, and supportive services as appropriate Builds and maintains relationships with community partners, including schools, community organizations, and service providers Assists YYA in strengthening relationships with supportive adults, peers, and networks

Qualifications/ Requirements:

Minimum of a High School Diploma or GED required Must have lived experience in the child welfare system Peer navigators are considered "near peers" and must be able to build authentic, relatable relationships with youth and young adults. Recommended to have a closed CP&P case and no longer receiving services. This supports readiness for the role, professional boundaries, and reduces the risk of re-traumatization. Valid driver's license in good standing, good driving history; Basic computer proficiency in Microsoft Office, Outlook, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel Basic organizational skills and strong oral communication skills Ability to work both independently and as part of a team Understand the impact of culture, race, and lived experience on youth development Ability to work effectively with youth with diverse needs and abilities Willingness to actively participate in supervision and ongoing professional development Ability to manage schedules, appointments, and documentation requirements Willingness to speak publicly and participate in training, as appropriate Must have the flexibility to work a non-traditional work schedule, including after-school, evening, and weekends Other relevant duties as assigned. Join us as a Peer Navigator - EnlightenMENT and be a catalyst for positive change! Your dedication will inspire hope, foster recovery, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those seeking support. This paid position offers an exciting opportunity to grow professionally while empowering others on their path to wellness. We're 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 status, or disability status.

Pay:

$41,500.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Mileage reimbursement Paid time off Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance Application Question(s): Do you have lived experience in the foster care system?

Education:

High school or equivalent (Required) Willingness to travel: 25% (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person