Orangewood Resource Center, Peer Mentor

Description

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Our Mission: Since 1981, the Orangewood Foundation has passionately advocated for young people facing foster care, homelessness, and trafficking. Our mission is to empower these individuals by supporting the futures they envision, providing dedicated one-on-one support to help them achieve their dreams and goals.

Our Programs & Services: We provide programs and services in four essential areas: Basic Needs & Support, Education, Life Skills & Employment, and Transitional Housing & Support.

Our Vision: A community where every young person thrives. This is our long-term goal for young people in Orange County. We embody this goal every time we talk to a young person, a volunteer, a community member, and to each other. 

Our Commitment: Equal Opportunity Employer, Flexible Scheduling, Powerful Teamwork, Personal Fulfillment, Thriving Community, Professional Development, Mental & Physical Wellness, Competitive Compensation.

Our Values: At Orangewood, recently ranked #27 in Best Places to Work 2025, we take pride in fostering a positive and supportive workplace culture. We ask all staff to uphold the following core values: Trust, Respect, Empathy, Inclusion, and Advocacy

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Orangewood Resource Center, Peer Mentor

Employment Classification: Hourly; Part-time; Non-exempt

Shift: Flexible 20 hours/week , M-F 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Reports to: Orangewood Resource Center, Supervisor

Department: Programs

Program Summary:

The Orangewood Resource Center (ORC) supports young people 18-24 who have ties to foster care, are experiencing homelessness, are impacted by traumatic events, and who are victims/survivors of human trafficking to access community resources and short-term case

management services to support their transition to self-sufficiency.

Position Summary:

The Peer Mentor helps create a welcoming and supportive environment in the ORC by building rapport and trusting relationships with young people. Through mentorship, encouragement, and active engagement, the Peer Mentor supports participants in identifying their needs and connecting to both internal Orangewood programs and community resources. This role helps young people feel supported, informed, and empowered as they work toward stability and self-sufficiency.

When considering this job opportunity, please be aware that the role may involve high stress levels due to mitigating participant crises and potential exposure to vicarious trauma. It is essential to prioritize self-care and seek appropriate support when needed.

Requirements

Major Areas of Responsibility:

• Assist young people in accessing resources such as employment, education, housing, childcare, and health care.
• Support outreach efforts by sharing information and materials about services available through the ORC.
• Assist with planning and facilitating ORC workshops and activities.
• Follow all ORC and organizational policies and procedures.
• Support daily ORC and kitchen operations while helping maintain a clean, organized, and safe environment.
• Provide young people with hygiene items, meals, groceries, school supplies, and emergency work clothing, and restock hygiene and school supply pantries as needed.
• Perform administrative tasks such as answering phones, checking emails, and helping keep the ORC organized and welcoming.
• Maintain and update ORC resource materials, including information on jobs, housing, and community services.
• Assist with sorting and organizing donations.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED. 
• Personal lived experience with homelessness, foster care or juvenile justice system (required). 
• Must be at least 18 years old and at least one year into their personal journey beyond their lived experiences.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Basic understanding of crisis response and de-escalation techniques, with a willingness to learn and receive guidance from supervisors.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrates reliability, accountability, and the ability to take initiative when supporting daily operations.
• Ability to follow direction, work independently when appropriate, and collaborate as part of a team.
• Demonstrates an interest in learning about trauma informed care and applying these principles when working with young people.
• Ability to remain calm and supportive when working with participants experiencing challenges.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic environment may involve urgent or high-need situations.
• Willingness to support and encourage peers and contribute to a positive team environment.
• Open to receiving feedback and applying it to improve job performance.
• Strong verbal communication skills and basic written communication skills.
• Basic computer skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Office or similar programs.

Essential Qualities:

• Understanding of and passion for the Foundation’s mission, vision, and values.
• Enjoys working directly with youth, volunteers, community partners, etc.
• Passion for and enjoys working directly with TAY population.

Working Conditions and Requirements:

• Some evening hours are required
• Physical requirements include standing, sitting, typing, bending, and lifting up to approximately 25 lbs. (i.e. tables, chairs, food, water, etc.). 
• Possess a valid California driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance. Position requires DMV clearance.
• Pre-employment screenings include criminal background check, FBI/DOJ fingerprinting, TB test, drug screen, and previous employment verification. 
• A Plum.io assessment is a required part of the application process, and your application will not be considered complete until the assessment is submitted. Visit this link to learn more: https://www.plum.io/about 
• Modification to work schedule may be made based on needs of the Foundation.

Orangewood Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race (including hair texture and protective hair styles such as braids, locks, and twists), religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and/or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity (including individuals who are transgender and/or transitioning), gender expression, age, sexual orientation, reproductive health decision-making, military and veteran status, or any other protected group, in accordance with all applicable federal or State laws.