A veteran mentor in DTCare

Position description: Veteran Mentor

Organization: DTCare
Workplace: Various locations (on-site during the 7-day program sessions, remote preparation for the sessions) style="font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; font-weight: bold">Graphic: Start at March 2025, 10 scheduled sessions over six months
Language requirements: Minimum level of English proficiency

About the Hero's Compass program

Hero's Compass is a therapeutic adventure program designed to support veterans on their journey to healing and reintegration. Through a combination of outdoor activities, art therapy and mentoring, this program promotes confidence, emotional resilience and a sense of community. Manager programs will play a key role in ensuring a cohesive and effective experience for every veteran.

Short description:
A veteran mentor is a key link between the Hero's Compass program team (HC) and veteran participants This role is extremely important in building trust, maintaining camaraderie, and engaging participants in the act. based on his own experience, the Veteran Mentor will help Veterans feel understood and supported, and will also assist with programming and logistical tasks during the 7-day adventure therapy program.

Primary Responsibilities:

Building trust and rapport:

• Be the primary point of contact for veterans, providing guidance and support throughout the program.

• Use your own experience and empathy to understand veterans' challenges and encourage open communication.

• Create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere to promote teamwork and trust among members.

Participation in activities and motivation:

• Actively participate in all scheduled activities, demonstrating engagement and enthusiasm.

• Motivate veterans to overcome their doubts and participate in group assignments, team-building exercises, and other program activities.

weight: normal; font-style: normal">Program support:

• Assist the Program Manager in addressing the individual needs of veterans, such as logistics or accommodation issues.

• Assist in maintaining the daily schedule by informing veterans of activities, rules, and expectations.

• Ensure prompt resolution of minor issues that may arise during the program.

Communication Facilitation:

• Be a liaison between veterans and the HC team, relaying their comments or concerns.

• Support the art therapist/psychologist by encouraging veterans to participate in group discussions or therapeutic activities.

Pre-selection and preparation:

• Collaborate with the Program Manager in the process of evaluating veteran profiles during selection.

• Provide recommendations, based on own experience, to ensure group alignment with program goals.

Post-program support:

• Assist in gathering feedback from veterans about their experience in the program.

• Contribute to follow-up efforts, including keeping in touch with participants as they return to their normal lives.

Collaboration in a team:

• Work closely with Program Manager and Art Therapist/Psychologist to address individual and group needs.

• Provide comments and recommendations to improve future program sessions based on veteran feedback and own observations.

Requirements: 

• Veteran with first-hand experience of overcoming challenges related to reintegration, trauma or personal growth.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, ability to connect with and inspire other veterans.

• Experience in group work, team activities or mentoring is preferred.

• A passion for supporting other veterans and promoting their mental and physical well-being.

• Willingness to participate in physical activities (eg, hiking, team challenges).

• Knowledge of the English language at a basic level or higher is preferred but not required. 

Learning: 
Mandatory training in February 2025 to familiarize yourself with the Hero's Compass methodology, team dynamics and program goals.