Certified Youth Peer Specialist
About The Position
Nexus Family Healing is hiring a full-time Certified Youth Peer Specialist for its Youth Assertive Community Treatment (Youth ACT) program. Youth ACT is an intensive, comprehensive, community-based rehabilitative mental health service for youth ages 14–21, delivered by a multidisciplinary team in homes, schools, and community settings. Individualized services aim to stabilize youth and decrease hospitalizations and out-of-home placements. This hybrid, community-based position is based out of the Mendota Heights office and includes remote work from home, in-person work, and travel between sites. The Youth Peer Specialist supports youth transitioning from residential treatment and works with the care team to develop and implement a detailed care plan from discharge through placement. The specialist champions and advocates for youth, supports their care-plan goals and progress, and empowers them to advocate for themselves long term. The role is full-time, 40 hours per week, with a flexible Monday–Friday schedule. Weekends are not currently required, though that may change. The stated pay range is $20–$23 per hour.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED.
- Completed Youth or Family Peer Specialist Certification; Peer Recovery Certification does not meet this requirement.
- Demonstrated lived experience coping with adolescent challenges; examples may include foster care, residential treatment, juvenile justice, or other transferable or relatable experience with ongoing youth struggles.
- Demonstrated interpersonal maturity and emotional intelligence, with the ability to build trust and rapport while setting clear, definitive, and healthy boundaries.
- Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.
- Must meet state regulating agency and Home Office driving requirements.
- Must successfully pass a DHS background check.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor’s degree.
- Previous experience working with youth who have experienced trauma and/or a mental health crisis.
Responsibilities
- Meet with youth before discharge to build trust and understand their background.
- Identify key information to share with the care team for planning.
- Help find suitable placements by working with families, foster care, or other residences.
- Encourage caregivers to support youth and explain available program resources.
- Work with the care team to create and carry out a personalized care plan.
- Maintain regular communication with youth and team members.
- Support youth in developing life skills, including job searching, managing finances, schoolwork, and driving.
- Help youth overcome barriers to personal and professional goals.
- Connect youth with community resources that support care-plan goals.
- Listen actively to understand youth challenges and provide guidance.
- Build trust through empathy and shared experiences while maintaining boundaries.
- Encourage growth and independence through supportive relationships.
- Advocate for youth by celebrating progress and creating new opportunities.
- Conduct regular check-ins and share updates with the care team.
Benefits
- Four weeks of paid time off (PTO) in the first year of employment.
- Multiple options for health insurance coverage.
- No-cost life insurance.
- Short- and long-term disability insurance.
- 401(k) match.
- Talkspace Therapy Benefit for the whole family.
- Hinge Health Benefit for the whole family.
- Carrot Fertility Benefit.
- Tuition assistance and training opportunities.
- Advancement pathways and internal promotion.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
