Youth Peer Support Specialist

Comcareme; Ellsworth (ME); On-site; USD 36,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A support services agency in Ellsworth is seeking a Peer Support Specialist to provide peer support services utilizing the Peer Connect curriculum. The role involves traveling to various locations to support youth, documenting interactions, and facilitating workshops. Applicants must be between 18-26 years old, hold a State of Maine Driver's license, and have relevant lived experience. This position requires strong documentation skills and the ability to connect youth with necessary resources.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one peer support services to youth using the Peer Connect curriculum.
• Travel to various areas to deliver peer support services.
• Document all one-on-one contacts with youth within 24 hours.
• Link youth with resources and assist with referrals and accessing services.
• Document all contacts and activities within required timeframes (within 24 hours).
• Support youth in educational and vocational goals and coordinate with MV Liaison/employment agencies.

Skills

Understanding of core competencies

Peer support services

Documenting contacts

Linking youth with resources

Education

Valid State of Maine Driver's license

Lived experience with Severe Emotional Disturbance or Severe Mental Illness

Job description

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.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Attend Peer Connect training to become Maine Peer Connect certified within the timeline set by the agency, and annually attend Peer Connect Learning Collaborative components to maintain Maine certification and all additional agency training.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the core competencies established by the Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
3. 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.
4. Travel to various areas across the region to deliver one-on-one peer support services to youth, including the most rural areas.
5. Link youth with resources as needed, including assisting youth with referrals and in accessing services as requested by the youth.
6. Maintain office hours during times of peer support drop-in hours as scheduled in various office locations across the region.
7. Work as a member of the YPSSN team in facilitating workshops and coordinating speakers/educational opportunities.
8. Upon case assignment, attempt first contact by the end of business day, documenting all attempted contact efforts within 24 hours.
9. Document all one-on-one contacts with youth within 24 hours.
10. Document all YPSSN activities, including but not limited to groups, workshops, and educational activities on the tracking tool.
11. Assist as needed in disseminating youth surveys upon request.
12. Participate in agency meetings as requested, including individual and group supervisions.
13. Support youth in pursuing their educational/vocational goals, including linking them with an MV Liaison and/or employment assistance agency as appropriate.
14. 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 are required.

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