The Tennessee Higher Education Initiative (THEI) is a non-profit organization working to disrupt systems of harm and create opportunities for autonomy and success by providing college access to people inside Tennessee prisons, preparing students for skillful re-entry, and reducing barriers to continued education and achievement. THEI is a grassroots, community organization committed to principles of harm reduction, healing, and centering the lived experiences of the people we serve. We engage in reimagining and building towards the world we want to see through systems work and direct service.

THEI seeks Transitional Programs Peer Mentor. The position will primarily be remote and supported by our Nashville Office.  Under the direction of the Director of Transitional Programs (TP), the Transitional Programs Peer Mentor will have the responsibility of assisting program alumni with navigating community resources and services as they re-establish their lives in communities across the state.

The ideal candidate can start on August 1, 2022. Priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate a strong commitment to providing service to at-risk populations and understand the mission of THEI to be located within a larger social-justice movement.

Peer support has been defined as “offering help, based on the shared understanding, respect, and mutual empowerment between people in similar situations” (Mead, Hilton, & Curtis, 2001). Individuals completing their sentences and transitioning from incarceration to the community are often facing significant challenges. Peer support is an important component of reducing relapse and recidivism. During reentry, peer support provides assistance with treatment planning and system navigation (accessing housing, employment, benefits, etc.)

Some flexibility with work hours, including the ability to work some nights and weekends; excellent organizational and time management skills; and a strong commitment to breaking cycles of poverty and incarceration are required. The position is a one-year contracted position. The compensation is $600/month based on approximately 30 hours of work. The review of applications will begin immediately.

Applicants must be impacted by the criminal justice system to consider applying.

Qualifications

Core Requirements:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Drive
• The ability to collect, organize and manage data.
• Flexible schedule, including the ability to work in the evenings and some Saturdays
• Timeliness around email correspondence
• Investment in relationship-building and passion for creating partnerships
• Energy for creative problem-solving
• Commitment to self-care

Social Justice Requirements:

• A strong commitment to providing service to at-risk populations and understanding the mission of THEI to be located within a larger social-justice movement
• A strong commitment to breaking cycles of poverty and incarceration  
• A commitment to use Person First language because there is evidence that language can shape perceptions about an incarcerated person's capacity to change
• Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

Responsibilities to Alumni:
Every Peer Mentor is expected to– 

• Meet with your assigned alumni on a regular basis, at a frequency determined by your supervisor
• Engage in an open, honest dialogue that balances active, respectful listening with information about alternative perspectives and choices, support, and feedback
• Provide connections to healthy pro-social community activities, people, and resources, including outreach about ways to stay connected with the THEI alumni network
• Maintain interpersonal boundaries that establish clarity about your role as a mentor and ensure safety for all parties involved
• Uphold and practice the philosophy and principles of restorative justice, including the beliefs and practices of the mission of THEI, found in the Alumni Resource Guide
• Respect alumni’s time, opinions, feelings, and choices. Practice reliability in your follow through and contact alumni in a timely manner about any schedule changes

Responsibilities to THEI Staff:
Every Peer mentor is expected to–

• Build a meaningful and supportive relationship with each mentee to be able to position yourself as a useful component of their support system and network, and to provide connections to resources and information
• Complete reports about contacts with alumni and submit to THEI program staff monthly (these take about 10-15 minutes to complete) 
• Check-in with THEI staff when pressing concerns arise about the alumni’s mental, emotional, or physical wellbeing
• Attend at least 3 THEI workshops/trainings a year, including monthly mentor sessions and special events for ongoing professional development
• Communicate proactively with THEI staff any feelings of dissatisfaction, confusion, or uncertainty encountered in your mentor role

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