Youth Peer Support Specialist

Community Care ME•Ellsworth, ME

1d•$20 - $20•Hybrid

About The Position

The Youth Peer Support Specialist (PSS) provides peer support services in accordance with the Peer Connect curriculum across all settings preferred by the youth, including agency offices, youth's homes, and community-based settings. This role involves direct support to youth, linking them with resources, and participating in team activities.

Requirements

Must be between the ages of 18-26.
Must have lived experience with Severe Emotional Disturbance or Severe Mental Illness.
Must have a valid State of Maine Driver's license.
Must have a registered, insured vehicle currently or within 12 months of hire.
Must be able to pass background checks including DMV, CPS, APS, and Criminal checks.

Responsibilities

Attend Peer Connect training to become Maine Peer Connect certified within the timeline set by the agency, and annually attend Peer Connect Learning Collaborative components to maintain certification and complete all additional 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 to youth utilizing the Peer Connect curriculum, allowing the youth to select the location and setting in which they are most comfortable.
Travel to various areas across the region to deliver one-on-one peer support services to youth, including the most rural areas.
Link youth with resources as needed, including assisting youth with referrals and in accessing services as requested by the youth.
Maintain office hours during times of peer support drop-in hours as scheduled in various office locations across the region.
Work as a member of the YPSSN team in facilitating workshops and coordinating speakers/educational opportunities.
Upon case assignment, attempt first contact by the end of the business day, documenting all attempted contact efforts within 24 hours.
Document all one-on-one contacts with youth within 24 hours.
Document all YPSSN activities including, but not limited to, groups, workshops, and educational activities on the tracking tool.
Assist as needed in disseminating youth surveys upon request.
Participate in agency meetings as requested, including individual and group supervisions.
Support youth in pursuing their educational/vocational goals, including linking them with an MV Liaison and/or employment assistance agency as appropriate.
Perform other tasks as assigned by the supervisor.