Youth Peer Support Specialist

Community Care ME•Bangor, ME

23h

About The Position

The Youth Peer Support Specialist (PSS) provides peer support services to youth in accordance with the Peer Connect curriculum. Services are delivered in settings preferred by the youth, including agency offices, youth homes, and community-based locations. The role involves travel throughout the region, including rural areas, and connecting youth with resources and services they request. The specialist works as part of the YPSSN team to facilitate workshops and coordinate speakers and educational opportunities. The position also involves maintaining scheduled drop-in office hours, completing timely documentation, supporting youth educational and vocational goals, participating in agency meetings and supervision, and completing required training to obtain and maintain Maine Peer Connect certification.

Requirements

Must be between 18 and 26 years of age.
Must have lived experience with Severe Emotional Disturbance or Severe Mental Illness.
Must have a valid State of Maine driver's license.
Must have access to a registered and insured vehicle currently or 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 required agency training.
Demonstrate an 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, in locations and settings selected by the youth.
Travel throughout the region, including rural areas, to provide one-on-one peer support services.
Link youth with resources and assist with referrals and access to services as requested.
Maintain office hours during scheduled peer support drop-in hours at various regional office locations.
Work with the YPSSN team to facilitate workshops and coordinate speakers and educational opportunities.
Attempt first contact by the end of the business day after a case assignment 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, using the tracking tool.
Assist with distributing 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.