Youth Peer Support Specialist

Waypoint Maine•Sanford, ME

6d•$22 - $27

About The Position

The Youth Peer Support Specialist (YPSS) provides peer-based 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 this lived experience with members. The role uses lived experience and recovery principles to foster supportive relationships, build on youth strengths, and promote hope, self-advocacy, wellness, resilience, and self-determination. As an integral member of the BHH multidisciplinary team, the YPSS contributes the youth perspective to care planning and service delivery, participates in team meetings, and takes responsibility for relevant parts of members’ Plans of Care. The specialist provides individualized support when initiated by the youth, team, or Plan of Care, and supports youth in achieving individualized goals and coordinating care. The position is hourly, non-exempt, and scheduled for 30 hours per week, including evenings as required to meet client needs. It reports to the Children’s BHH Supervisor. Waypoint provides services including a special purpose private school for children with autism and other developmental disabilities, case management and outpatient therapy for children and adults, and residential and in-home supports for adults with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities.

Requirements

Must be between 18 and 30 years old, in accordance with 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 state of residence.
Must obtain and maintain Maine Youth Peer Support Specialist certification according to DHHS requirements; provisional certification must be completed within 9 months of hire and full certification within 12 months of hire.
Proven ability to produce accurate, reliable, and timely work.
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 proactively seek supervision.
Flexible, approachable, and able to work collaboratively with a team.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including ability to communicate clearly and concisely.
Knowledge and understanding of MaineCare Section 92 Children’s Behavioral Health Home and Youth Peer Support Specialist role requirements.
Ability to work in an office and community settings, including private client homes and non-accessible community locations, and walk over a variety of surfaces.
English verbal and written skills sufficient to communicate detailed and important information to clients, providers, and other stakeholders.
Ability to hear at normal speaking levels and close visual acuity for activities such as driving, preparing reports, using a computer terminal, and extensive reading.

Responsibilities

Build trusting, supportive relationships with youth enrolled in the BHH program using lived experience and recovery principles.
Assist youth and the BHH team in implementing the Plan of Care.
Provide one-to-one peer support focused on hope, empowerment, resilience, and self-determination to youth identified as needing YPSS support.
Coordinate and facilitate youth peer support groups and activities.
Participate in the BHH multidisciplinary team and contribute a 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 according to 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 abuse or neglect according to agency policies and procedures.
Perform other duties as assigned to meet organizational needs.