PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST (PARENT)

Fairbanks Native Association; Fairbanks (AK); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Fairbanks Native Association is seeking a peer support professional in Fairbanks, Alaska to develop culturally specific trainings and support transition-aged youth. This role involves mental health screenings, parent training, and collaboration with teams to enhance youth program resilience. Ideal candidates will have one year of relevant experience and a high school diploma. The position emphasizes cultural sensitivity and active community engagement. Opportunities for professional development within a supportive environment are available.

Qualifications

• One year's experience working with AN/AI population providing culturally specific services.
• One year's experience in behavioral health.
• One year's experience working with electronic health records.

Responsibilities

• Participate in mental health screenings and interventions.
• Train parents on resilience practices.
• Facilitate parent support groups.

Skills

Knowledge of mental health and substance use conditions

Strong communication and active listening skills

Effective problem-solving

Crisis recognition and response

Cultural sensitivity

Education

High School diploma or GED

Experience in behavioral health

Job description

The goal of the Healthy Transitions project is to improve existing and expand access to developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate services and supports for transition‑aged youth and young adults (ages 16‑25) who either have, or are at risk for developing, serious mental health conditions. The overarching goal is to improve emotional and behavioral health functioning so youth and young adults can maximize their potential to assume adult roles and responsibilities to lead full and productive lives.

POSITION SUMMARY

This position is responsible for developing culturally specific aspects for use in coordination with established, resilience‑boosting trainings for parents working with youth to develop resilience to overcome and prevent negative experiences that can affect cognitive, emotional, physical, and social skills. It also involves matching training with the needs of parents and youth to create structure, rules and expectations, and consistency to build self‑control, problem‑solving ability, and communication skills. Under the supervision of a master’s level mental health clinician, this position functions as a peer support professional participating in mental health/substance use disorder screenings, brief interventions, crisis interventions, safety planning and follow‑up, case management/care coordination, clinical staffing, treatment planning, and discharge coordination.

JOB DUTIES

• Meets in attendance with the project’s Enrollment Specialist and Youth/Young Adult Coordinator with the new youth or young adult upon their entry into the project.
• Participates in mental health/substance use disorder screenings, brief interventions, crisis interventions, safety planning and follow‑up, case management/care coordination, clinical staffing, treatment planning, and discharge coordination.
• Develops culturally specific examples of the resilience topics to ensure the project’s cultural resonance.
• Meets with consumers’ parents weekly for the duration of the consumers’ enrollment in the project to train parents on Resilience Boosting Promises practice.
• Develops and facilitates BHS staff trainings on the Developmental Stages of Youth and Young Adults.
• Facilitates parent support groups.
• Follows the participants’ individualized treatment plan that is developed with the family, consumer, and clinical team.
• Represents parents in all planning sessions.
• Attends Behavioral Health Community Coalition (BHCC) meetings in an advisory capacity versus voting member.
• Ensures adherence to data collection requirements and enters accurate and timely data into the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
• Attends mandatory position training that provides training in risk factors as designated by the Project Manager and/or Clinical Supervisor.
• Maintains consumer confidentiality in accordance with 42 CFR Part 2 and HIPAA.
• Attends all required staff meetings.
• Performs other job‑related duties as assigned.

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITY

• Knowledge of mental health and substance use conditions, including suicide risk factors, prevention strategies, trauma‑informed care, recovery principles, peer support practices, and available community resources.
• Ability to engage in calm, compassionate, and professional conversations about sensitive issues (e.g., domestic violence, depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use, and suicidal thoughts), while providing appropriate support, guidance, and referrals.
• Strong communication, active listening, and relationship‑building skills, with the ability to build trust and maintain supportive peer relationships.
• Knowledge of confidentiality requirements, ethical standards, professional boundaries, and the ability to ensure HIPAA and 42 CFR compliance.
• Skill in documentation, record‑keeping, navigating electronic health systems, and understanding basic billing procedures.
• Effective problem‑solving, time management, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to recognize and respond appropriately to crisis situations, following established safety and response protocols.
• Ability to share lived experience in a professional, supportive manner that promotes hope and models recovery and emotional resilience.
• Ability to work independently in community‑based settings and collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and the ability to work effectively with diverse populations, including Alaska Native communities.
• Ability to maintain regular attendance and report to work in a timely manner.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Education & Experience)

• High School diploma or GED.
• One (1) year’s experience working with AN/AI population and providing culturally specific services.
• One (1) year’s experience in behavioral health.
• One (1) year’s experience working with electronic health records.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (Education & Experience)

• Associate’s degree in behavioral health or related field.
• Experience working with transition‑aged youth and young adults.
• Lived experience with homelessness, substance abuse, mental illness and/or using mental health services.