Position Summary:
The Peer Support Group Facilitator plays a critical role in implementing the Rooted Here curriculum, a trauma-informed, non-clinical peer support initiative serving youth and young adults ages 10–24 experiencing grief and loss. While Rooted Here specializes in supporting individuals impacted by suicide loss, participants experiencing all forms of grief and loss are welcome.
The facilitator is responsible for creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where young people can connect with peers, develop healthy coping skills, engage in creative expression, and strengthen protective factors that promote healing and resilience. The position includes facilitating structured support groups, supporting outreach and engagement activities, collaborating with families and community partners, and helping participants remain connected beyond the initial eight-week curriculum through ongoing peer support opportunities.
This position is not intended to provide counseling or psychotherapy. Rather, it emphasizes peer connection, active listening, empowerment, and community-building.
Essential Responsibilities
Peer Support Group Facilitation
- Facilitate weekly Rooted Here peer support groups for youth and young adults.
- Implement the Rooted Here curriculum using a trauma-informed and strength-based approach.
- Foster a welcoming environment that promotes belonging, trust, and mutual support.
- Encourage healthy expression through art, mindfulness activities, journaling, storytelling, and other creative and somatic practices.
- Support the development of peer relationships and community connections among participants.
- Assist in facilitating ongoing alumni circles and other long-term peer support activities.
Youth Engagement and Support
- Build positive and supportive relationships with participants and their families.
- Provide encouragement and connection to community resources when appropriate.
- Promote participant involvement in program activities.
- Assist with orientation sessions and participant intake procedures.
- Promote participant voice, empowerment, and self-advocacy.
Outreach and Community Collaboration
- Participate in outreach and awareness activities to increase access to Rooted Here services.
- Collaborate with schools, community organizations, and referral partners.
- Maintain positive relationships with caregivers and support systems.
- Help create welcoming pathways for participants entering the program.
Documentation and Program Quality Improvement
- Maintain accurate attendance records and program documentation.
- Assist with participant surveys and evaluation activities.
- Document referrals and follow-up contacts as appropriate.
- Provide feedback to strengthen and improve program implementation.
Training and Professional Development
Complete training in:
- Trauma-informed care
- Active listening and peer support principles
- Suicide prevention and postvention protocols
- Youth development and cultural humility
- Restorative and healing-centered practices
- Participate in regular staff meetings and ongoing professional development opportunities.
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience
One or more of the following:
- Two years of experience facilitating youth groups, peer support groups, grief support groups, or related programming;
- Experience working with adolescents or transitional age youth (TAY);
- Completion of peer support, grief support, or youth development training programs;
- Lived experience with grief and loss and a demonstrated ability to support others in a healthy and professional manner.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Understanding of trauma-informed and healing-centered engagement practices.
- Strong active listening and communication skills.
- Ability to establish trusting relationships with youth and families.
- Ability to facilitate sensitive conversations with empathy and professionalism.
- Understanding of youth development and protective factors that promote resilience.
- Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and communities.
- Strong organizational and documentation skills.
- Commitment to maintaining appropriate boundaries and confidentiality.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bilingual in English and Spanish.
- Experience working with youth and young adults ages 10–24.
- Experience with peer support, restorative practices, youth leadership, or grief support programs.
- Knowledge of suicide prevention and postvention principles.
- Experience working in school-based and community-based settings.
- Training in Youth Mental Health First Aid or related programs.
- Experience supporting diverse and historically underserved communities.
Rooted Here Values
The Rooted Here program is grounded in the belief that healing occurs through connection, community, and shared experience. We recognize that grief is not something to "fix," but something to navigate together. We strive to create spaces where young people feel heard, supported, and empowered to move forward while honoring the people and experiences that have shaped their lives.
Pay: $30.00 per hour
Experience:
- working with youth and young adults: 1 year (Required)
- peer support, youth leadership, grief support: 1 year (Required)
- working in school and community based settings: 1 year (Required)
Language:
Work Location: In person
