Peer Support Associate (All Counties)

Detroit, MI

Temporary

Student (High School)

***This is an open an ongoing posting for all counties we serve (not limited to Detroit). Please apply at any time. We will contact you should an opening become available in your area.***

About Nation Outside:

Nation Outside (NO) is a statewide organization in Michigan whose mission is to drive policy and practice reforms that build transformative systems of support for justice-impacted families and communities. Through our direct services and policy initiatives in the reentry space, we work to create a society where our communities are safe and vibrant, all people are treated with dignity and respect, and justice and fairness are available to everyone.

Program Overview:

Our Trauma-Informed Peer-Led Reentry Program empowers individuals transitioning from incarceration to the community. We recognize the pervasive impact of trauma and the importance of lived experiences, empathy, and support in the reentry process. The program aims to provide a safe, understanding, and transformative environment where participants can heal, grow, and rebuild their lives.

Position Overview:

As a Peer Support Associate, you will collaborate with program participants to identify, access, and secure various health, social, and community services. In addition to this, your role will involve enrolling and offering fundamental workforce development support to program participants. The core responsibility is to coordinate services based on the needs of our peers (clients), placing trauma-informed participant-centered service delivery at the forefront. This position will also encompass the facilitation of workshops for small groups, interaction with individuals with justice involvement, and providing personalized services to minimize obstacles to employment, recovery, and financial self-reliance. You will work closely with the Program Manager to deliver services to participants and support program initiatives.

The role of a Peer Support Associate is a 90-day temporary employment, classified as a full-time, W-2 position, with an expected commitment of 40 hours per week. During this time, employees will receive comprehensive, hands-on training and will be paired with an experienced Peer Navigator to observe and engage in core responsibilities while becoming acclimated to the organization’s values, culture, and service model.

At the conclusion of the 90-day period, and contingent upon satisfactory performance, organizational needs, and available funding, individuals may be considered for transition into a regular full-time, salaried position within the organization.

Responsibilities:

TIPLR Certification Training – Comprehensive instruction on trauma-informed, peer-led reentry principles and practices.
MI-TRAIN Training – Completion of relevant public health and professional development courses through the Michigan Training Network.
Billing and Documentation Training – Instruction on proper documentation standards, data entry, and billing protocols.
Workplace Readiness Training – Preparation for success in a professional setting, including communication, time management, and organizational skills.
Leverage Lived Experience: Use your personal experiences with incarceration and/or substance use recovery to build rapport and establish trust with participants.
Provide Peer Insight: Share lived insight into challenges such as substance use, incarceration, and homelessness. Connect participants and partners with resources that support recovery, stability, and workforce engagement.
Assess Eligibility: Determine participant eligibility for workforce development and related programs. Help individuals navigate to the appropriate services and supports that promote long-term success and self-sufficiency.
Address Barriers: Collaboratively identify needs with participants, obtain necessary authorizations, and coordinate supportive services to remove obstacles to participation and completion.
Deliver Employment Services: Provide pre-employment and employment support to individuals, including those with justice involvement.
Document and Manage Data: Maintain accurate participant records in designated case files and data systems, as required.
Facilitate Group Activities: Lead group-based services such as assessments, workshops, orientations, and job clubs.
Coordinate with Stakeholders: Work closely with contractors, partners, and community-based organizations to align services and strengthen participant outcomes
Maintain External Relationships: Build and sustain collaborative relationships with jails, courts, reentry providers, and other community-based service agencies.
Engage and Represent: Participate in internal meetings and attend community events as a representative of Nation Outside.
Support Team Coverage: Step in to manage caseloads during staff absences or shortages, as needed.
Other Duties: Perform additional tasks as assigned in support of the team and program goals.

Education and Experience:

Candidates MUST be formerly incarcerated or have a conviction.
Candidates must be off MDOC Supervision (successfully completed probation or parole).
Candidates must have consistent access to a reliable vehicle, a valid drivers license, and car insurance.
Candidates must possess a High school diploma or equivalent (GED).

Physical Requirements:

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Prolonged periods of sitting in a car and driving moderate to long distances.
Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.

Working Conditions:

You will be expected to work indoors and outdoors throughout the year and in all weather conditions as needed.
You must be willing to work in the office and remotely. Travel will be required within the boundaries of the workforce delivery area.
The position may also involve working outside standard 9 am-5 pm business hours.

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By selecting “Yes,” and submitting this application, I give my informed consent for Nation Outside to perform a background check, contact my references, and conduct a Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) LEIN (Law Enforcement Information Network) clearance as part of the employment process. I understand that this information will be used solely for evaluating my eligibility for employment.*

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Nation Outside is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage individuals directly impacted by the

criminal legal system to apply. #ForwardTogether

Peer Support Associate (All Counties)

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