Youth Peer Support Specialist

Waypoint Maine•Sanford, ME

About The Position

The Youth Peer Support Specialist (YPS) provides peer-based, recovery-oriented support to youth enrolled in Waypoint’s Children’s Behavioral Health Home (BHH) program. The specialist is 18–30 years old, is receiving or has received services and supports related to a behavioral health condition, is in recovery, and is willing to self-identify that lived experience with members. The role uses personal lived experience and recovery principles to build trusting relationships, foster hope, and help youth develop self-advocacy, wellness, resilience, and self-determination. As an integral member of the BHH multidisciplinary team, the YPS contributes the youth perspective to care planning and service delivery, assists with relevant parts of each member’s Plan of Care, and provides individualized support when initiated by the youth, team, or Plan of Care. The position is hourly and non-exempt, scheduled for 30 hours per week, including evenings as required to meet client needs, and reports to the Children’s BHH Supervisor. The position works in an office setting and in community settings, including private client homes. It requires travel using a reliable vehicle and the ability to access a variety of homes and community locations, including locations that are not accessible.

Requirements

Must be between 18 and 30 years old, as required by DHHS MaineCare policy.
Must be receiving or have received services and supports related to a behavioral health condition and be willing to self-identify this experience with members.
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Must have a reliable vehicle with proper insurance, current registration, and a valid driver’s license and clean driving record from the state of residence.
Must obtain and maintain certification as a Maine Youth Peer Support Specialist according to DHHS requirements; provisional certification must be completed within 9 months of hire and full certification within 12 months of hire.
Ability to produce accurate, reliable, and timely work products.
Computer proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook 365), strong computer skills, and ability to learn new systems.
Ability to work independently, take initiative, and seek supervision proactively.
Flexibility, approachability, and ability to collaborate with a team.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate clearly and concisely.
Knowledge and understanding of MaineCare Section 92 Children’s Behavioral Health Home and the requirements of the Youth Peer Support Specialist role.
Excellent verbal and written English skills for communicating detailed information to clients, providers, and other stakeholders.
Ability to hear at normal speaking levels to receive detailed information through oral communication.
Close visual acuity to drive, prepare reports, view a computer terminal, and read extensively.
Ability to walk over a variety of surfaces and enter client homes and community locations that may not be accessible.

Responsibilities

Build trusting, supportive relationships with youth enrolled in the BHH program through the intentional use of lived experience and recovery principles.
Assist youth and the BHH team in implementing the Plan of Care.
Provide one-to-one youth peer support focused on hope, empowerment, resilience, and self-determination to clients identified as needing support by the care team or BHH team.
Coordinate and facilitate youth peer support groups and activities.
Participate as a member of the BHH multidisciplinary team and contribute peer perspective to care planning and service delivery.
Maintain knowledge of developmental disabilities and mental health diagnoses, and seek supervisor support regarding clinical questions.
Maintain prompt and regular communication with youth served.
Assist youth in preparing for and participating in team meetings and health or care appointments.
Support youth in developing self-advocacy, communication, and decision-making skills.
Assist youth in identifying and connecting with community and natural supports.
Complete required documentation in accordance with BHH standards and agency policies.
Maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and MaineCare requirements.
Fulfill mandated reporter obligations under Maine law, including timely reporting of suspected member or child abuse or neglect in accordance with Waypoint policies and procedures.
Perform other duties as assigned to meet organizational needs.