Youth Peer Support Specialist

DELAWARE GUIDANCE SERVICES FOR CHILDREN•Seaford, DE

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Crisis Clinical Coordinator, the Youth Peer Support Specialist will provide peer mentoring services, include peer counseling, mentoring, support, and advocacy according to the needs, interests and perspectives of youth receiving services from the Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS) program due to an identified crisis. The ultimate goal of peer mentoring is to engage the youth in the support available, advocate for the needs of the youth, and assist in transitioning into other support services that may be needed in the community. The focus of the Youth Peer Support Specialist is to support the youth during the risk assessment that occurs when a request is made to the MRSS program and to provide ongoing mentoring while the MRSS case is open. The Youth Peer Support Specialist will work closely with the MRSS crisis clinician to help the youth achieve their goals and find stability in the community. In addition, the incumbent is responsible for documentation of mentoring services provided from intake through discharge. This position is available due to grant funding that will end on September 30, 2025.

Requirements

Lived experience as a youth who experienced support due to behavioral health needs
Young Adult ages 18-24 years old
High School Diploma or Equivalent
Valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record

Responsibilities

Maintain professional, trauma-informed, and empathetic interactions during crisis interactions with children, families, and stakeholders
Use critical thinking and risk management skills when connecting with youth during mentoring
Understand and utilize knowledge about warning signs and risk factors associated with suicide risk and risk of harm to others
Develop comprehensive skills in providing support for youth in crisis
Provide individual peer support and counseling
Share lived experience related to recovery, when appropriate
Conduct routine home visits
Communicate with and provide appropriate documentation to the DPBHS team, as needed
Communicate with appropriate stakeholders to maintain a systems-based approach to assisting with the youth’s stabilization
Maintain complete, accurate, and timely documentation
Uphold professional standards of peer mentoring and the mission of the organization
Maintain a quality code of conduct, ethics and professionalism
Provide goal-directed and team-oriented services
Communicate effectively and professionally with all stakeholders