Peer Support Specialist

YOUTH VILLAGES, INC.•Nashville, TN

About The Position

Youth Villages’ Specialized Crisis Services (SCS) Program provides rapid assessment and intervention for youth up to age 18 experiencing a psychiatric emergency. Services include strength-based crisis assessment, safety planning, stabilization, and ongoing treatment and intervention in the home or community while long-term services are arranged. The Peer Support Specialist provides youth- and family-centered peer support to children and adolescents following a mental health crisis. The role supports stabilization by engaging youth and caregivers, offering strength-based coaching and mentoring, connecting families with community and clinical resources, and delivering parent education. The schedule is flexible and non-traditional, based on the availability of the youth and families served. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license, an automobile for work purposes, and proof of auto insurance. Community-based staff are reimbursed for applicable mileage.

Requirements

Meet the education and experience qualifications for at least one of the listed peer-support certification categories: Certified Family Support Specialist (CFSS), Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS), or Certified Young Adult Peer Support Specialist (CYAPSS).
For CFSS: have at least a high school diploma or GED; self-identify as a birth parent, adoptive parent, foster parent, or authorized caregiver of a child or youth with relevant challenges; and have successfully navigated child-serving systems to access treatment and resources. Must be able to complete TDMHSAS-recognized training within three months of employment and obtain TDMHSAS certification within one year of employment.
For CPRS: have at least a high school diploma or GED; self-identify as being in recovery from mental illness, substance abuse, or co-occurring disorders; and complete specialized training recognized by TDMHSAS to become certified.
For CYAPSS: have at least a high school diploma or GED; be age 18 through 30 in Tennessee; and have at least one year of lived experience with or a healing and wellness journey from mental illness and/or substance abuse.
Possess a current, valid driver’s license, an automobile for work purposes, and proof of auto insurance.
Know the service area and resources for children, youth, and families.
Have knowledge and personal experience with children and youth who have emotional and behavioral disorders.
Have knowledge and experience with mental health, juvenile justice, education, and/or other child-serving systems.
Demonstrate a desire to help and support families using strong customer service skills.
Demonstrate commitment to system-of-care principles, cultural competency, and effective teamwork.
Have excellent communication, organizational, problem-solving, and creative-thinking skills.
Have an established support system and access to resources.
Have basic computer and writing skills.

Responsibilities

Teach and model the value of each individual’s experience caring for a child or youth with a mental, emotional, behavioral, or co-occurring disorder.
Foster full and equal partnerships with children and youth, families, and caregivers.
Complete required evaluation documentation in collaboration with the Care Coordinator.
Help caregivers develop informal and formal support networks that reflect their culture and the unique needs of their child or family.
Teach children, youth, families, and caregivers to identify and use their strengths to achieve family goals.
Arrange family team meetings and assist with facilitation.
Work with families and team members to identify and overcome barriers and service gaps.
Use interventions that help caregivers develop a family team and establish and meet individualized goals.
Help caregivers create a family team and individualized service plan.
Model collaborative working relationships with providers, school staff, and other professionals.
Model effective coping techniques and advocacy skills.
Teach skills for advocacy and navigating child-serving systems, including child welfare, juvenile justice, education, mental health, and transition services.
Support and educate caregivers in school-related meetings, including 504 and Individual Education Plan meetings, and in navigating special education.
Help caregivers identify and connect with services addressing substance abuse and co-occurring disorders.
Help caregivers access community resources and make positive treatment choices for their child or family.
Document activities in individual or program records.
Help non-caregiver staff identify programs and environments that foster hope and resilience and are family-driven and youth-guided.
Collaborate with the clinician or therapist to support families during and after a crisis.
Attend three weekly meetings—individual, team, and clinical consultation—and quarterly booster training sessions.
Complete accurate and timely documentation in an electronic medical record system.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical, dental, prescription drug, and vision coverage
401(k)
Paid vacation: two weeks for full-time employees and one week for part-time employees
12 paid sick days per year
11 paid holidays
Paid parental leave
Mileage and cell phone reimbursement when applicable
Tuition reimbursement and licensure supervision
Continuous training and growth and development opportunities
Clinical and administrative advancement opportunities