Youth Peer Support Specialist

Community Care ME•Augusta, ME

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 chosen by the youth, which may include agency offices, the youth’s home, and community-based locations. The role involves one-on-one support, connecting youth with resources, supporting educational and vocational goals, and participating in team workshops and educational activities across the region, including rural areas. The specialist must attend training to become Maine Peer Connect certified within the agency’s required timeline and participate in annual learning collaborative components and other agency training to maintain certification. The position also requires timely documentation of contact attempts, services, and program activities, participation in requested agency meetings and supervision, and completion of other tasks assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements

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

Responsibilities

Attend Peer Connect training and obtain Maine Peer Connect certification within the agency’s timeline; attend annual Peer Connect Learning Collaborative components and additional 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 using the Peer Connect curriculum in locations and settings selected by youth.
Travel across the region, including rural areas, to provide one-on-one peer support services.
Connect youth with resources, assist with referrals, and help youth access services as requested.
Maintain office hours during scheduled peer support drop-in hours at office locations across the region.
Work as a member of the YPSSN team to facilitate workshops and coordinate speakers and educational opportunities.
After receiving a 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, 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 when appropriate.
Complete other tasks assigned by the supervisor.