Mentor | Cooling Center| Homelessness

CSPNJ, a mental health nonprofit agency, is looking for seasonal Cooling Center Mentors(s).   The Cooling Center Mentor serves as a positive leader and role model for members, visitors, by fostering a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment within the center. The Mentor supports guests by providing compassionate, person-centered assistance and ensuring that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.  In addition, the Cooling Center Mentor plays a key role in maintaining the overall cleanliness, safety, and daily operations of the center.  

The Cooling Center provides emergency daytime shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness during periods of extreme summer heat. The program offers a safe, cool, and welcoming environment where unsheltered community members can escape dangerous temperatures during the day. In addition to relief from the heat, guests have access to basic support services, hydration, rest areas, and connections to community resources as available. The Cooling Center is designed to help protect vulnerable individuals from heat-related illness while promoting safety, dignity, and well-being throughout the summer season. 

HIGHLIGHTS

• Greet guests and engage, offering guidance and support.
• Be a positive role model, through professional behavior and communication.
• Offer information and referral to guests regarding wellness and recovery, peer support and community services.
• Provide a safe and healthy environment through education, guidance, and personal interaction.
• Responsible for guest safety, proving crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques as needed.
• Must adhere to staffing schedules to ensure adequate and safe coverage in support of program objectives.

*Daytime shifts available from July - September

• Must have a High School diploma / GED.
• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness is required.
• Certified Recovery Support Practitioner (CRSP), Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS), or equivalent peer certification preferred.
• Ability to carry out domestic duties, including household tasks such as cleaning and maintaining a safe and functional environment.
• Proficient in basic computer skills, including using email and internet applications, managing documents, and virtual communication platforms.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage crises.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, leadership, coaching, and conflict resolution skills.
• Proven ability to engage and support individuals with mental health diagnoses using empathy and professionalism.
• Bilingual skills are a plus!
• Lived Experience: CSPNJ prioritizes hiring people who use their own life experience dealing with mental health/substance use issues to inspire and support others.