Youth Empowerment Peer Support Specialist

America, Utah, Inc.; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental & vision coverage

Health savings account

403(b) with employer match

Paid time off

Job summary

Volunteers of America Utah seeks a dedicated YHDP Peer Support Specialist to connect with youth 18-24 in the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program. You will use your lived experience to guide clients toward stabilization, housing retention, and engagement in mental health or substance use services.

You will work from the Youth Resource Center, provide harm reduction education, crisis intervention, and collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to develop client-centered plans.

Qualifications

• Direct experience with homelessness, mental illness, and/or substance use disorders and recovery is required.
• Ability to uphold professional boundaries and confidentiality with diverse clients.
• Willingness to participate in weekly supervision and ongoing feedback.
• Must pass Utah DHS background screening for working with vulnerable populations.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a peer mentor to clients by offering a positive example of a person with lived experience who has been successful in managing recovery.
• Educate clients about community resources and harm reduction practices.
• Provide crisis intervention as necessary, utilizing de-escalation skills and trauma-informed care.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with resource center staff and other providers.
• Attend weekly staffing meetings and contribute to individualized treatment plans.
• Utilize tracking sheets and case note web infrastructure in a timely and accurate manner.
• Provide ongoing assessment, problem solving, and daily living support to clients.
• Meet with housed clients in their homes and provide ongoing housing stabilization support.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Education

Active Peer Support Specialist Certification

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Volunteers of America Utah seeks a dedicated YHDP Peer Support Specialist to connect with youth 18-24 in the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program. You will use your lived experience to guide clients toward stabilization, housing retention, and engagement in mental health or substance use services.

You will work from the Youth Resource Center, provide harm reduction education, crisis intervention, and collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to develop client-centered plans.