BHH Youth Peer Support Specialist

HEALTH AFFILIATES MAINE; West Plains (MO); On-site; USD 20,664 - 34,440; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Schedule

Travel Reimbursement

401k plan

EAP available

Job summary

A community-based health organization is seeking a Youth Peer Support Specialist to provide peer support services for youth experiencing mental health challenges. This part-time role involves working collaboratively with a multi-disciplinary team and promoting youth empowerment. Key responsibilities include supporting youth in their healing journey and assisting with their goals. Candidates must possess a high school diploma, have lived experience with mental health, and be aged 18-30. A flexible schedule and travel reimbursement are provided, making it an ideal role for those passionate about youth development.

Qualifications

• Experience with mental health challenges and support through youth-serving systems.
• Must be ages 18-30 as per legal regulations.
• Valid Driver's license and reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one and group youth peer support services.
• Promote youth development and empowerment.
• Work collaboratively with the BHH team.

Skills

Communication

Empathy

Understanding of mental health

Advocacy

Education

High School diploma or equivalent GED

Job description

Health Affiliates Maine is seeking a Behavioral Health Home (BHH) Youth Peer Support Specialist to join our team. This community-based program offers a holistic, integrated approach to providing collaborative care to address mental health, medical, and other resource needs. This approach has a multi-provider perspective and increases the ability for the youth and/or family to access their needs and goals while learning self‑management tools for ongoing success.

As a valued member of the BHH team, you will contribute your lived experience alongside a multidisciplinary group that includes a clinical team lead, family peer support specialist, wellness coordinator, medical consultant, psychiatric consultant, and nurse care manager.

Position Responsibilities Include:

• Complete CM and BHH Program Orientation.
• Using lived experience and mutuality to inspire and support youth navigating their own journey of healing, recovery, self-discovery.
• Meet with a minimum of 8-10 BHH youth that have youth peer support identified in their plan of care.
• Build supportive strength-based relationships with youth.
• Share lived experiences appropriately to support mutuality, hope and resiliency.
• Provide one‑on‑one and group youth peer support services within work hours.
• Assist youth in elevating and centering their goals and voice in services.
• Promote youth development and empowerment.
• Work collaboratively with BHH team to support youth voice and choice.
• Record interactions in the electronic health record with youth as agreed upon with clinical supervisor to promote privacy of the young person.
• Provide training to agency staff about the role of the Youth Peer Support Specialist ongoing or as needed.
• Follow the Youth Peer Support core competencies of Self Determination; Hopefulness; Wellbeing; Social Connectedness; and Self Advocacy.
• Advocate for social justice and inclusivity within the community.
• Will be committed to the holistic approach in service provision for positive outcomes.
• Provide services to youth that are trauma informed, youth‑driven, non‑judgmental, and empowering.
• Help youth navigate systems of care (i.e., medical, mental health/behavioral, child welfare, educational, juvenile justice) and support with goal attainment.
• Promote healthy lifestyles and wellness strategies including but not limited to substance abuse prevention, smoking prevention and cessation, nutrition and increasing physical activity.
• Actively participate in all required agency supervisions, trainings, meetings as well as external trainings relevant to Youth Peer Support Role in order to maintain certification.
• Provide support in a manner consistent with the recovery philosophy, which emphasizes peer and natural support, and the de‑escalation of possible crisis.
• Protect and maintain the confidentiality of client records and information, following HIPAA and 42CFR.
• Seek supervision appropriately for youth concerns, ethical dilemmas, and respond to feedback and directive given by supervisor(s) and Director(s).
• Encourage the health, safety and welfare of youth always.
• Complete other forms/paperwork when necessary (e.g. supervision logs, progress notes, Incident reports, etc.).
• Provide Services in an ethical manner following NASW Code of Ethics and ethical codes pertaining to the role.
• Participate in mandated reporting per agency policy and Maine Law.
• Follow and periodically update a personal plan of self‑care to prevent compassion fatigue, vicarious traumatization and maintain ethical and professional conduct & reaching out for supervision when recognizing self‑care concerns.
• Perform other duties related to the position as directed by the Management Team.

Benefits Include:

• Irregular – Part‑Time
• Flexible Schedule
• Travel Re‑imbursement
• EAP available
• 401k plan

Job Requirements:

• Has personally experienced mental health challenges and received support or services through youth‑serving systems (such as school‑based services, outpatient or inpatient mental health care, child welfare, juvenile justice, or community‑based programs)
• High School diploma or equivalent GED.
• Must be between the ages of 18‑30 (per Section 92 MaineCare Regulations).
• Certified as a Youth Peer Support Specialist in Maine and/or ability to obtain certification within 9 months of hire date.
• Valid Driver's license and reliable transportation.