Responsive recruiter
Associate Peer Navigator (Justice-impacted)
Washington, D.C.
ABOUT CHANGING PERCEPTIONS:
At Changing Perceptions, we firmly believe that every individual deserves a second chance. Our organization provides direct services to all returning citizens, regardless of their circumstances. Our mission centers around ensuring the smooth reintegration and success of returning citizens in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. We achieve this through hands-on and authentic mentoring, guidance, training, networking, and providing other essential support and referrals to needed services. We understand the importance of building a brighter future for returning citizens and their loved ones and are committed to providing the necessary resources and support to help them achieve their goals. With our expanded programmatic offerings and partnerships, we aim to make a meaningful impact in the lives of returning citizens and their families.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
The Associate Peer Navigator is an entry-level, full time role that supports individuals returning to the community after incarceration, including those released under the Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act (IRAA) and the Second Look Amendment Act (SLAA). Reporting to the Chief Program Officer, the Associate Peer Navigator serves as a supportive peer and trusted resource for program participants. The role focuses on building relationships, offering encouragement, and helping individuals become familiar with services that may support their transition back into the community.
The Associate Peer Navigator is an entry-level, full time role that supports individuals returning to the community after incarceration, including those released under the Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act (IRAA) and the Second Look Amendment Act (SLAA). Reporting to the Chief Program Officer, the Associate Peer Navigator serves as a supportive peer and trusted resource for program participants. The role focuses on building relationships, offering encouragement, and helping individuals become familiar with services that may support their transition back into the community.
This position is designed for individuals who want to use their lived experience to support others while gaining professional experience in the reentry services field. This role is a temporary position with a start date of April 1, 2026 and will end on September 30, 2026. There is not an option to renew this position.
WHAT YOU’LL DO:
As an Associate Peer Navigator, you will:
Participant Support
- Spend time connecting with participants to offer encouragement and positive support.
- Listen to participants’ experiences and provide reassurance as they adjust to life after incarceration.
- Share helpful insights and personal experiences when appropriate to support participants’ progress.
- Check in with participants regularly to see how they are doing and identify areas where they may need assistance.
Connecting Participants to Resources
- Help participants learn about services available in the community such as housing assistance, employment programs, education opportunities, and health services.
- Provide participants with information about available resources and programs.
- Support participants in identifying services that may be helpful for their goals and needs.
- Help participants prepare for appointments or program visits when requested.
Program Participation
- Attend program meetings, workshops, and community events as part of the Changing Perceptions team.
- Assist with activities that support participant engagement and program participation.
- Help create a welcoming and respectful environment for individuals participating in the program.
Recordkeeping
- Enter basic notes about participant interactions into the organization’s data system.
- Keep track of participant engagement activities according to program guidelines.
- Share updates about participant needs with the program team when appropriate.
- Take part in staff meetings and training sessions.
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:
Changing Perceptions may be the right fit for you if:
Changing Perceptions may be the right fit for you if:
- You are a returning citizen or have personal experience with the reentry process.
- You care deeply about helping others succeed after incarceration.
- You are comfortable talking with people from many different backgrounds.
- You are patient, respectful, and able to build trust with others.
- You are reliable and able to follow instructions and program expectations.
- You are open to learning new skills related to peer support and reentry services.
- You are willing to participate in training and professional development opportunities.
Previous professional experience is not required. Community involvement, volunteer work, or informal peer support experience is welcomed.
WHAT YOU WILL GET:
- A competitive pay rate of $21.00/hr
- Full-time, temporary employment that ends in September 2026.
- The opportunity for professional growth and advancement.
- A supportive and collaborative work environment.
- A competitive hybrid work model with in-office days on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Changing Perceptions, Inc. does not make hiring decisions on the basis of race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic background, age, disability, veteran status, religion, political affiliation, or any other Changing Perceptions, Inc. is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable work environment. We uphold a policy of equal opportunity employment and ensure all hiring decisions are guided by our internal policies and principles of fairness. Our organization does not tolerate discrimination of any kind and makes employment decisions without regard to race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, socio-economic background, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, religion, political affiliation, marital or familial status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.
We value the diverse perspectives and experiences that each individual brings to our team, as they are essential to achieving our mission. Changing Perceptions is dedicated to creating a workplace where all individuals feel respected, empowered, and supported in their professional growth. protected by state, federal, or local law.
Flexible work from home options available.
Compensation: $21.00 per hour
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Changing Perceptions is a nonprofit organization established to provide human services to incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals in the phases of pre-release and reentry. We offer guidance to overcome personal obstacles, build self-confidence, and develop valuable skills for traditional employment and everyday living.
We aim to develop programs to overcome obstacles that may hinder success, equip individuals with self-assurance and valuable job skills, and enable them to make positive contributions to society upon reentry.



