Youth Peer Support Specialist

Penobscot Community Health Care; Hampden (ME); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Integrated Medical Home Model

Supportive leadership

Flexible schedules

Competitive compensation and benefits

Comprehensive services

Job summary

Penobscot Community Health Care seeks a Youth Peer Support Specialist to join our Behavioral Health Home team in Hampden, ME. This role uses lived experience to mentor youth on their recovery journey, building trust and empowering personal growth.

You will provide guidance, support goal setting, and help navigate resources, working with care teams to ensure holistic care. A high school diploma and YPSS certification within 12 months are required.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Completion of Youth Peer Support certification within 12 months of hire.
• Experience with Electronic Health Records preferred.
• Must have up-to-date BLS training or obtain within 2 weeks of hire.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.

Responsibilities

• Use lived experience to inspire hope and resilience in youth.
• Build authentic relationships through active listening and mentorship.
• Help youth identify goals, develop recovery plans, and navigate resources.
• Advocate for youth and connect them to healthcare, education, and community supports.
• Collaborate with care coordinators, providers, and other professionals for whole-person care.
• Assist youth in accessing peer supports and community programs.

Skills

Active listening

Empathy

Mentorship

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Youth Peer Support certification (state CIPSS) within 12 months

Tools

Electronic Health Record

Job description

Penobscot Community Health Care is seeking a Youth Peer Support Specialist (YPSS) to join our Behavioral Health Home team. This is a unique opportunity for someone who has navigated their own mental health, substance use, or life challenges and wants to use that lived experience to support and empower youth on their recovery journey.

As a Youth Peer Support Specialist, you'll build meaningful relationships with young people, provide mentorship and encouragement, help them navigate complex systems, and serve as a powerful reminder that recovery, resilience, and hope are possible. If you're passionate about supporting others, advocating for youth, and making a lasting difference in your community, we'd love to connect with you.

Schedule:

Part-Time, Monday / Wednesday / Friday, 8am-4:30pm (Schedule can have some flexibility depending on your needs.)

What You’ll Be Part Of:

• Lived Experience That Makes a Difference: Use your personal recovery journey to inspire hope, build trust, and help youth recognize their own strengths, resilience, and potential.
• Meaningful Relationships & Mentorship: Support youth through authentic connection, active listening, shared understanding, and encouragement as they navigate challenges and work toward their goals.
• Youth-Centered Recovery Support: Partner with youth to identify personal goals, develop recovery plans, strengthen coping skills, and celebrate progress every step of the way.
• Advocacy & Empowerment: Help youth find their voice, build confidence, access resources, and navigate healthcare, education, community, and social support systems.
• Collaborative Team-Based Care: Work alongside Care Coordinators, providers, social workers, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to support whole-person care and positive outcomes.
• Community Connection & Resource Navigation: Assist youth in accessing peer supports, community programs, educational opportunities, employment resources, and other services that support long-term success.
• Mission-Driven Impact: Play a meaningful role in helping young people build brighter futures while supporting PCHC's commitment to accessible, compassionate, and community-focused care.

Join PCHC's nationally recognized non-profit organization:

• Federally Qualified Health Center offering integrated Medical Home Model
• Collegial professional atmosphere with informed leadership
• Flexible schedules supportive of work/life balance
• Competitive compensation and generous benefits
• PCHC provides comprehensive, patient-centered care with integrated services, including Psychiatry & Mental Health, Dental, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Pharmacy, Geriatrics, Laboratory Services, Physical Therapy, and more!

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• Completion of the Youth Peer Support full Certification requirements as indicated by the State of Maine within 12 months of hire. Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHS curriculum for CIPSS). Provisional Curriculum must be completed, and certificate awarded within 9 months of employment. Maintain YPSS certification, once achieved.
• Previous Experience with Electronic Health Record preferred.
• Will have up-to-date training and certification in Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support issued by American Heart Association, American Red Cross, or American Health & Safety Institute. Must obtain within 2 weeks if not current at hire.
• Having a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record and/or an appropriate length of driving experience for insurance purposes is required. Any concerns raised by the results of a driving record check will be subject to an individualized review to determine whether the infraction is relevant to the individual's ability to perform the responsibilities of the position in accordance with PCHC's Automobile Safety and Background Check Policy.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by law.