Seeking youth between the ages 18-26 interested in Behavioral Health and Sexual Health to mentor and support young people living in our community!
The Peer Mentor will serve as a peer educator and mentor in support of the goals of the Five Horizons Health Services Prevention & Outreach Department. The candidate will help ensure that students and young adults at Alabama State University, Tuskegee University, Trenholm State Community College, and other assigned locations receive relevant, age-appropriate, and engaging messages that promote positive behavioral health and sexual health. This role involves empowering peers to make informed decisions about behavioral healthcare, HIV/STI testing, PrEP services, risk reduction, linkage to care, and overall wellness.
The Peer Mentor role is a part-time position dedicated to advocating behavioral health care, supporting HIV/STI testing initiatives, engaging in campus recruitment for testing and education, referring potential patients to full-time Prevention & Outreach staff for appointment-setting, providing follow-ups for students and young adults who engage in care, and assisting with outreach events. Peer Mentors are required to support at least one outreach event each month and test peers for HIV and STIs in accordance with Five Horizons policies, procedures, and training. All services and activities should be free of bias/discrimination, inclusive of all student populations, and LGBTQ-friendly and supportive.
DUTIES:
- Work directly with FHHS Prevention & Outreach Staff (10 hrs/week).
- Report to the Director of Community Engagement and follow all Prevention & Outreach Department expectations.
- Actively engage students, groups, and campus/community events to advocate for behavioral healthcare, HIV/STI testing, PrEP services, and risk-reduction resources.
- Engage in campus recruitment activities for testing and education initiatives.
- Conduct HIV/STI testing for peers using approved testing methods in accordance with Five Horizons policies, procedures, and training requirements. Training will be provided.
- Support at least one outreach event each month, including tabling, pop-up clinics, campus activities, testing initiatives, or other assigned events.
- Assist with outreach events, including tabling, pop-up clinics, and campus/community activities.
- Refer potential patients to full-time Prevention & Outreach staff for appointment-setting and linkage to appropriate services.
- Provide follow-ups for students and young adults who engage in care, as appropriate.
- Disseminate information to various student groups and individuals across assigned campuses and service areas.
- Co-facilitate HIV/STI education sessions or support groups.
- Assist with activities at Alabama State University, Tuskegee University, Trenholm State Community College, and other locations as directed.
- Participate in consistent and ongoing training.
- Report weekly tasks via department Progress Monitoring.
- Submit availability at the beginning of each semester or as requested. If scheduling changes mid-semester, submit an availability update to the Director of Community Engagement.
QUALIFICATIONS & EDUCATION:
- Current student, young adult peer leader, or community member with interest or experience in peer education, behavioral health, public health, outreach, social work, or a related area.
- Have an outgoing personality, exceptional interpersonal skills, ability to network, and comfort speaking to large or small groups on behavioral health and sexual health topics.
- Must be comfortable promoting HIV/STI testing, PrEP services, safer sex practices, condom education, and condom distribution.
- Must complete required FHHS trainings before conducting HIV/STI testing or supporting testing-related activities.
- Must be able to maintain confidentiality and follow all policies and procedures related to outreach, testing, referrals, documentation, and linkage to care.
- Must be able to work collaboratively with the team to fulfill the duties of the role.
- Peer mentoring, student leadership, community engagement, health education, or outreach experience is preferred.
POSITION RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS:
Peer Mentors may be renewed based on completion of required training, adherence to Five Horizons policies and procedures, participation in monthly events, testing support, communication, teamwork, community involvement, and overall program impact. All renewal decisions are reviewed by Prevention & Outreach leadership. Failure to meet role expectations, including monthly event support or testing requirements, may lead to termination and ineligibility for renewal. At the start of the fall and spring semesters, all peer mentors and campus ambassadors will be required to attend a mandatory in-person training. Without attending the training
Students and community members of all races/ethnicities, sexual orientations, and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
All on-campus activities must comply with college/university policies, guidelines, and protocols, including social media, TV/radio, advertising for activities, and similar activities.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $17.00 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
