Peer Mentoring Program

Are you dedicated to raising the quality of care in home health here in Washington? The Training Partnership seeks experienced Home Care Aides like you for an exciting peer mentorship program.

Think back to your first days as a Home Care Aide—how valuable would support, advice, and encouragement from an experienced worker have been for you? As part of a brand new apprenticeship program, you have the opportunity to be that kind of role model for new hires in the field (and to get paid to do it!).

Through this program, you can help make Washington even more of a national leader in the field of home health. Read on for more information and for how to apply.

Benefits:

• Strengthen communication and care-giving skills through on-the-job peer support for new Home Care Aides.
• Improve the quality of care by reinforcing a culture of communication, respect, and problem solving.
• Increase employee retention through the development of resources to help new hires feel more secure and less isolated.
• Improve morale by acknowledging that the skills of experienced Home Care Aides are critical to the functioning of the team.
• Foster a community among Home Care Aides that values feedback, communication, and support and extends beyond the apprenticeship program.

Why peer mentoring?

Peer mentorship provides entry-level workers access to an experienced Home Care Aide designated to share expertise and enhance skill competency through one-on-one interaction in a real-world setting. New Home Care Aides gain confidence through this program as they transition seamlessly from study to practice with an experienced employee providing them guidance along the way. The program provides benefits to mentors and mentees alike.

Characteristics of a successful peer mentor:

• Expertise in the field of home care
• Willingness to share their experiences, offer advice and support to those new to the field
• Ability to spend approximately 5 hours per week on peer mentoring activities
• Good communication and listening skills
• The ability to build rapport and work respectfully with a variety of people
• Strong time management skills, as you will be scheduling the meetings with your mentees
• A professional attitude demonstrated through good attendance, a strong work ethic, and reliability
• Dedication to home health and a commitment to raising the level of professionalism in the field

What is the time commitment?

• Roughly 3 months
• A minimum of 25 hours, including:
  • A 12-hour paid orientation (split up into multiple sessions)
  • 12 hours mentoring each mentee as they progress through the apprenticeship
  • Up to 3 hours working with program administrators to provide ideas and feedback
• You may choose to have up to 5 mentees, meaning the maximum time you would dedicate over those 3 months would be 75 hours (12 hours mentoring and 3 hours administrative time for each of your 5 mentees)
• You may be selected to serve as a mentor in Extended Peer Mentoring (similar time commitment)
• You will be a part-time employee of the Training Partnership and compensated at the rate of $12 per hour

How to apply:

1. Applicants must be current home care aides who preferably have been employed at least two consecutive years in good standing and are currently working at least part time in the field
2. Complete an online application form. The application deadline is rolling, but the sooner you apply, the better.
3. Attend a group interview/informational meeting. After an initial application screening, an on-site group interview will be held to discuss details and provide a venue for questions. Notification of hire will be made shortly after this event.

For additional questions please contact:

Galen Benshoof, Project Coordinator – Strategic Initiatives
SEIU Healthcare NW Training Partnership
galen.benshoof@myseiubenefits.org
1-888-801-1223