Youth Peer Support/CIPSS

Brighter Heights Maine•Belfast, ME

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

This is a part-time position, starting at 10-15 hours a week. Hours are generally after school - early evening. Peers make their own schedule and will support clients in person within their local area and by zoom for clients located further away. Occasionally, they will come into our Belfast office. Training to become a Youth Peer Support Specialist is provided, if needed. A youth peer support specialist is a member of the BHH multidisciplinary team of professionals who provide treatment and support to members of the BHH program. The youth peer works will provide support to teenagers and young adults. As a member of the team, this person assists clients with accessing peer support services, provides various forms of education to clients and co-workers about the role of the PSS, facilitates peer groups, and links clients to a variety of local resources. This work is done in the office, at clients' residences, in the local community, and may involve travel and attending meetings. The Youth Peer Support Specialist encourages teens and young adults to move toward self-advocacy in the attainment of culturally-specific life goals for themselves. They meet with the client one-on-one to provide support and encouragement towards resiliency. They may also facilitate support groups that address areas of concern. The position requires travel to client's homes and meetings in the community, in addition to office based work. The position seeks to foster relationships and skill building that improves the client's wellbeing. Build a connection with clients by sharing common experiences and re-defining help as a co-learning and growing process. Assist clients and families with connecting with PEER groups and community-based PEER programs Assist clients and families in understanding and managing their mental health conditions and symptoms. Support clients and families with locating/utilizing local programs and services. Assist clients and families with understanding their rights and responsibilities as a recipient of mental health services.

Requirements

Applicants must be between 18-30 years old as mandated by the State of Maine
Identify as a peer as described: someone who has 5 or more years of experience with mental health challenges, substance abuse challenges or other life challenges such as trauma experience, homelessness or perhaps growing up in the foster care system
High school diploma
Must have a reliable vehicle and valid drivers license

Nice To Haves

Already be a Youth Peer Support Specialist or obtain certification within 6 months of date of hire. We will pay for training time, and the certification is free to obtain

Responsibilities

Accessing peer support services
Provides various forms of education to clients and co-workers about the role of the PSS
Facilitates peer groups
Links clients to a variety of local resources
Encourages teens and young adults to move toward self-advocacy in the attainment of culturally-specific life goals for themselves
Meets with the client one-on-one to provide support and encouragement towards resiliency
Facilitate support groups that address areas of concern
Fosters relationships and skill building that improves the client's wellbeing
Builds a connection with clients by sharing common experiences and re-defining help as a co-learning and growing process
Assists clients and families with connecting with PEER groups and community-based PEER programs
Assists clients and families in understanding and managing their mental health conditions and symptoms
Supports clients and families with locating/utilizing local programs and services
Assists clients and families with understanding their rights and responsibilities as a recipient of mental health services