Youth Peer Support Specialist

Community Care ME•Rockland, ME

18h

About The Position

The Youth Peer Support Specialist (PSS) provides peer support services to youth in accordance with the Peer Connect curriculum. Services are offered in settings preferred by the youth, including agency offices, youth homes, and community-based settings. The role involves individual peer support, connecting youth with resources, supporting educational and vocational goals, and contributing to team workshops and educational opportunities across the region. Peer Support Specialists must be between 18 and 26 years old and have received or currently receive services related to a mental health diagnosis that has seriously affected their life and relationships over an extended period. The specialist must be in recovery and willing to self-disclose on this basis. A valid Maine driver's license and a registered, insured vehicle are required at hire or must be obtained within 12 months. Background checks are required.

Requirements

Must be between 18 and 26 years old.
Must currently receive, or have received, services related to a mental health diagnosis that has seriously impacted life and relationships for an extended period.
Must be in recovery and willing to self-disclose on this basis.
Must have a valid State of Maine driver's license and a registered, insured vehicle, or obtain them within 12 months of hire.
Must pass background checks, including DMV, CPS, APS, and criminal checks.

Responsibilities

Attend Peer Connect training and become Maine Peer Connect certified within the agency's timeline; attend annual Peer Connect Learning Collaborative components and other agency training to maintain certification.
Demonstrate understanding of the core competencies established by the Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Provide one-on-one peer support services using the Peer Connect curriculum, allowing youth to choose a comfortable location and setting.
Travel throughout the region, including rural areas, to provide one-on-one peer support services.
Link youth with resources, assist with referrals, and help them access services as requested.
Maintain office hours during scheduled peer support drop-in hours at various office locations across the region.
Work with the YPSSN team to facilitate workshops and coordinate speakers and educational opportunities.
Upon case assignment, attempt first contact by the end of the business day and document contact attempts within 24 hours.
Document all one-on-one contacts with youth within 24 hours.
Record YPSSN activities, including groups, workshops, and educational activities, on the tracking tool.
Assist with disseminating youth surveys when requested.
Participate in agency meetings as requested, including individual and group supervision.
Support youth in pursuing educational and vocational goals, including connecting them with an MV Liaison and/or employment assistance agency as appropriate.
Perform other tasks as assigned by the supervisor.