Youth Peer Support Specialist

Comcareme; Rockland (ME); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Comcareme seeks a Youth Peer Support Specialist to provide one-on-one support to youth using the Peer Connect curriculum. The role involves travel across the region to reach youth in offices, homes, and community settings, and to link them with needed resources.

Candidates must be 18–26 with lived experience of Severe Emotional Disturbance or Severe Mental Illness, hold a Maine driver’s license, and be prepared to pass background checks.

Qualifications

• 18–26 years old with lived experience of Severe Emotional Disturbance or Severe Mental Illness
• Must be willing to obtain Maine Peer Connect certification
• Ability to travel across the region to meet youth needs
• Demonstrates understanding of federal SAMHSA core competencies

Responsibilities

• Attend Peer Connect training and Maine certification within agency timeline
• Provide one-on-one peer support to youth using the Peer Connect curriculum
• Travel to different areas to deliver services, including rural regions
• Link youth to resources, referrals, and accessing services requested
• Maintain office hours during peer support drop-in hours
• Support workshops and coordinate speakers/educational opportunities
• Document contacts within 24 hours and track activities
• Assist in disseminating youth surveys and participate in meetings

Skills

Peer Connect training

Youth engagement

Community outreach

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, in addition to annually attending 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. Must have a valid State of Maine Driver's license and a registered, insured vehicle currently or within 12 months of hire.

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