Job Overview: The START Family Peer Mentor provides peer support to parents involved with the child welfare system due to substance use concerns. As a member of the START (Sobriety, Treatment and Reducing Trauma) team, the mentor uses their lived experience to build trust, encourage engagement in recovery, and support families in achieving safety, permanency, and well-being. This position works collaboratively with child welfare workers, behavioral health providers, and other team members to deliver wraparound care in natural settings such as homes and the community.

Job Functions:

• Serve as an integral part of the START team, participating in weekly case reviews, family team meetings, and collaborative planning.
• Use lived experience to engage and motivate parents navigating recovery and involvement with child protective services.
• Provide direct peer support through home visits, phone calls, and community-based meetings.
• Assist families in accessing treatment, parenting resources, and other supports.
• Support client independence by identifying and overcoming internal and external barriers.
• Help families navigate complex systems and build relationships with service providers.
• Advocate for families' voices in planning and decision-making processes.
• Participate in crisis response and stabilization efforts.
• Maintain clear, timely, and accurate documentation in Streamline.
• Perform other duties as assigned by agency or program leadership.

Job Requirements:

• Demonstrated long-term recovery from substance use disorder (recommended 3 years).
• Personal experience with child welfare system, with the case closed for at least one year.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Knowledge of addiction, recovery supports, and trauma-informed practices.
• Strong interpersonal, advocacy, and communication skills.
• Valid Ohio driver’s license, reliable transportation, and liability insurance.
• Must be able to lift up to 20 lbs and operate standard office equipment.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Medical /dental /vision
• Employee Wellness App
• Life insurance
• Minimum 2 weeks accrued paid vacation
• Pet Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• 6 self care days
• 8 accrued sick days
• 8 paid holidays
• 403b w/ Retirement match
• In House Pharmacy
• Mileage Reimbursement
• Annual pay increases with performance
• PSLF Eligible Position

Appleseed Community Mental Health Center, Inc. is committed to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all people. Employment decisions are made based on each person’s performance, qualifications, and abilities. The Agency does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. Appleseed Community Mental Health Center is a drug-free workplace, including marijuana. All employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and pre-employment drug screening.