Youth Peer Support Specialist I or II

Livingston County Community Mental Health•Howell, MI

15h•Onsite

About The Position

Livingston County Community Mental Health is seeking a Youth Peer Support Specialist (Part-Time | 20 hrs/week) for individuals aged 18-28 who have lived experience with mental health or substance use struggles as a child or teen and have made progress in their recovery. This role involves supporting kids and teens dealing with serious emotional or mental health issues by building trust, helping them with self-advocacy, guiding them with life skills, and pushing back against stigma. The specialist will co-lead support groups, work in multidisciplinary teams, train others from a peer lens, and collaborate with schools and community groups. The position emphasizes authenticity, using personal experience to support others, and demonstrating that recovery is possible.

Requirements

Candidates must be committed to our shared values and commitment to community care, including clinical excellence, community inclusion, community benefit, innovation, integrated care and improvement.
Strong teaming skills are required due to our collaborative approach to treatment.
This position is limited to persons who are between the ages of 18 and 28.
High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
The Youth Peer Support Specialist is a person who has received mental health services as a youth.
The Youth Peer Support Specialist is a person who is willing and able to self-identify as a person who has or is receiving mental health services as a youth, has lived experience, and is prepared to use that experience in helping others.
The Youth Peer Support Specialist I must be able to achieve MDHHS certification as a Youth Peer Support Specialist within one year of hiring and be willing to participate in ongoing required training.
Must have basic computer literacy skills and the ability to successfully utilize an electronic medical record to complete documentation requirements.
Strong communication and organization skills.
Must possess a valid Michigan driver's license.
Access to and ability to utilize transportation in order to perform job activities.

Nice To Haves

Experience receiving services as a youth in complex, child-serving systems (behavioral health, child welfare, juvenile justice, special education, etc.) preferred.

Responsibilities

Build trust and rapport with the youth that you work with.
Help youth speak up for themselves in meetings and make choices about their care.
Based on your personal positive experiences, help guide youth with life skills and self-advocacy.
Be someone they can count on when things feel tough.
Help others understand what it's really like to live with mental health challenges.
Push back against stigma and help others see the full person, not just a diagnosis.
Co-lead support groups, work in multidisciplinary teams, and train others from the lens of a peer.
Work with schools and community groups to make support easier to find.

Benefits

Voluntary employee funded 457(b) salary deferment plan.
Employer-paid 2X salary life insurance.
Employer-paid long-term disability.
Spring Health Mental Health Wellness program offering free counseling, life coaching, and self-care tools.
Generous paid time off with pro-rated vacation, sick, personal, 13 holidays (4 floating).
Opportunities to develop clinical skills through regular supervision.
Supportive, diverse team allowing collaboration with experienced colleagues.
Positive environment valuing diversity.
Opportunities to take on special projects that align with your interests.
Potential for career advancement.
Efficient electronic health record system.
Continuous learning.
Welcoming culture.
Ability to pursue your passions.
Clear growth prospects.
Modern documentation approach.