Youth Peer Support Specialist (55331)
About The Position
The Youth Peer Support Specialist uses lived experience related to youth emotional, social, behavioral, or substance use treatment to mentor and support youth and young adults with identified SED and SMI diagnoses. The position serves as a member of, or consultant to, youths’ treatment teams and helps youth and families obtain needed supports and services. The role promotes socialization, recovery, self-advocacy, and the preservation and enhancement of community-living skills. It supports wraparound services through collaboration with case management staff, treatment team members, professionals, community partners, and agencies. The specialist encourages youth by sharing lived experience and supports them in advocating for themselves at team meetings. The position requires weekly supervision during the first year and twice-monthly supervision after the first year of certification, consisting of one individual and one group session. The specialist is expected to maintain an appointment calendar and complete peer notes within 24 hours. Work takes place in clinics, community settings, and clients’ homes; reliable insured transportation is required, and the specialist must be able to transport clients to appointments and community activities. The role may involve flexible hours and travel within the region served. Performance is evaluated annually based on company values and program expectations, including documentation, productivity, Medicaid regulations, client outcomes, and alignment with organizational goals. Other duties may be assigned by the supervisor.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED.
- Currently or formerly received mental health services, or be in recovery from a substance use disorder and committed to the recovery process.
- Identify on the application or cover letter lived personal experience that leads to an understanding of the needs of people with mental health and substance use issues.
- Successfully complete all core competency training administered by the statewide family network and pursue ongoing professional development to maintain professional status and meet Medicaid and/or SIAC requirements.
- Organizational abilities, including computer work, maintaining a schedule, and phone skills.
- Willingness to work flexible hours and travel within the region served.
- Good communication and writing potential, with the ability to relate well to parents, children, and professionals; listen well; negotiate; and remain objective.
- Ability to work with families from diverse cultural, religious, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Valid Kentucky driver’s license.
- Meet eligibility requirements for Kentucky Youth Peer Support certification, including any state-established age requirements.
- Reliable transportation with insurance and ability to transport clients.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move within clinic and community settings.
- Ability to sit for extended periods for meetings, documentation, and clinic services.
Responsibilities
- Serve as an active member of or consultant to a youth’s treatment team to obtain needed supports and services.
- Promote socialization, recovery, self-advocacy, and the preservation and enhancement of community-living skills for individuals, parents, guardians, and caregivers.
- Support the wraparound process by collaborating and consulting with targeted case management staff, team members, other professionals, community partners, and agencies.
- Encourage and support youth and young adults by sharing lived experience.
- Support youth in attending team meetings and advocating for themselves.
- Attend weekly supervision during the first year and twice-monthly supervision after the first year of certification, including individual and group supervision.
- Maintain an appointment calendar and complete peer notes within 24 hours.
- Transport clients to appointments and community-engagement activities.
- Complete other duties assigned by the supervisor.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
