Youth Peer Support Specialist

MY House; Wasilla (AK); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

MY House is seeking a Youth Peer Support Specialist to work at True North Recovery as part of the recovery support team. You will use lived experience to engage with youth, model wellness, and encourage hope by showing recovery is possible.

You will advocate within the recovery community, participate in community activities, share your recovery story, and collaborate with families, courts, and service providers to connect youths with supports and opportunities for lasting change.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• PSP I certification required; PSP II within 12 months of hire.
• Two years in recovery or behavioral health field.
• Knowledge of Motivational Interviewing and Trauma-Informed Care.
• Strong understanding of community resources and referral agencies.
• If in recovery, must be in remission for two years and active in a recovery program.
• CPR/First Aid/AED certified or able to obtain within 90 days of hire.
• Satisfactory background check, NPI status, and State QAP approval required.

Responsibilities

• Provide peer support services tailored to each client’s treatment plan.
• Encourage and model recovery and resilience per client needs.
• Provide onsite peer support for the Department of Juvenile Justice.
• Assist peers in self-advocacy and social connections.
• Facilitate crisis stabilization according to state guidelines.
• Advocate for youth and the organization within the community.
• Collaborate with families, courts, social services, and hospitals to connect youth with supports.

Skills

Storytelling advocacy

Crisis response

Deescalation

Healthy boundaries

Flexibility and initiative

42CFR & HIPAA

Strong work ethic

Written and verbal communication

Education

HS diploma or GED

PSP I certification

Associate’s degree preferred

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Youth Peer Support Specialist is an employee of MY House who will work at True North Recovery as part of the recovery support team. This position uses lived experience to work directly with clients, model wellness and recovery, and promote hope by demonstrating that all people can flourish and recover. The Peer Support Specialist will advocate within the recovery community, participate in community activities, and share their personal recovery story to encourage and support others in their recovery journeys.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide peer support services in accordance to each client’s needs identified on a treatment plan.
• Encourage and model recovery and resilience in ways that are specific to the needs of each client.
• Provide onsite peer support for the Department of Juvenile Justice
• Assist peers in self advocacy and social connections.
• Provide Crisis Stabilization services in accordance to state guidelines: To include crisis and post crisis planning.
• Hold the role of advocate for the organization, as well as the youth, as needed.
• Work with family members, the court system, social service agencies, hospitals, and other service providers to offer peer services for community members and clients.
• Seek out community opportunities to discuss peer services and living in recovery.
• Attend case staffing and provide feedback during case management and staff meetings.
• Communicate effectively and be part of a team of staff professionals working together to support and encourage youth to set and accomplish goals, establish healthy boundaries and become productive.
• Maintain a professional posture with clients, community members and partners at all times, using appropriate language and positive feedback designed to offer constructive growth that benefits the overall mission.
• Represent MY House in a positive and proactive manner at all times.
• Continue to stay current on training and education needed to perform duties to a high
  standard
• Facilitate the prompt completion of housing applications, move-ins and move-outs.
• Enforces house rules and guidelines by providing support, guidance and oversight that hold youth accountable in the upkeep of the home.
• Other duties and tasks as negotiated.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES:

• Ability to clearly tell your own story and advocate for others to tell their story
• Demonstrate the ability to respond to crisis situations and emergencies
• Ability to deescalate agitated clients
• Ability to maintain healthy boundaries with clients
• Demonstrate flexibility, adaptability, and initiative
• Working knowledge of health care portability act (42CFR and HIPPA)
• Demonstrate positive work ethic
• Ability to communicate proficiently, verbally and in writing

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• High school diploma or general equivalency degree
• Certified as a Peer Support Professional I (PSP I) and able to obtain (PSP II) within 12 months of hire.
• Two (1) years working in the field of recovery or behavioral health
• Working knowledge of Motivational Interviewing and Trauma-Informed Care
• Strong understanding of community resources and referral agencies
• If in recovery, must be in remission for two (2) year’s and working a program of recovery
• CPR/First Aid/AED certified or able to obtain within 90 days of hire
• Continued employment is contingent upon receipt of a satisfactory State and Federal
  background check, approved National Provider Identifier Standard (NPI) status, and
  State Approval as a Qualified Addictions Professional (QAP) or a Provisional (QAP)
• Must have a valid Alaska Driver's License and insurable under My House vehicle

Preferred:

• Associate’s Degree in Social work, Psychology, Human Services, Counseling, or
  Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling. Relevant experience may substitute for educational requirement on a year for year basis.
• Certified as a Peer Support Professional III (PSP III)
• Working knowledge of trafficking systems and culture
• Three (3) years’ experience working in peer services
• Current CPR/First Aid/AED certified
• Current NPI, QAP and Medicaid enrollment