Youth Peer Support Specialist

Comcareme; Auburn (ME); On-site; USD 32,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading peer support organization in Auburn, Maine, is seeking a Peer Support Specialist to provide youth with essential support services in various community settings. Candidates must be aged 18-26 and have relevant lived experience with emotional or mental health issues. Responsibilities include documenting interactions and assisting youth in achieving their educational and vocational goals. A valid Maine driver's license and vehicle are required, along with successful completion of background checks.

Qualifications

• Peer Support Specialists must be aged 18-26 with relevant lived experience.
• Must be able to pass background checks including DMV, CPS, APS, and Criminal checks.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one peer support services to youth in preferred settings.
• Attend training to become Maine Peer Connect certified.
• Link youth with necessary resources.
• Document all interactions and activities within 24 hours.

Education

Lived experience with Severe Emotional Disturbance or Severe Mental Illness

Valid State of Maine Driver's license

Job description

Overview

GENERAL PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES/POSITION STATEMENT: The 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.

Responsibilities

• Attend Peer Connect training to become Maine Peer Connect certified within the timeline set by the agency, in addition to annually attending Peer Connect Learning Collaborative components to maintain Maine certification and 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 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.
• Other tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

Education, Experience and Certificates

Peer Support Specialists must be between the ages of 18-26 and have lived experience with Severe Emotional Disturbance or Severe Mental Illness. Valid State of Maine Driver's license and a registered, insured vehicle required.

Must be able to pass background checks including DMV, CPS, APS, and Criminal checks.