Youth Peer Support Specialist (25-166)

Network180 - Kent County Community Mental Health; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 23,749 - 31,491; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance plans

Paid dental and vision insurance

Generous PTO

Tuition reimbursement

Defined contribution retirement plan

Life insurance options

Job summary

A community mental health organization in Grand Rapids is seeking a Youth Peer Support Specialist. This role involves supporting youth and young adults in achieving their goals within the behavioral health system. You'll empower youth by helping them develop essential skills while working alongside service team members. Ideal candidates are passionate, age 18-28, and have a high school diploma or GED. Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• Must be between 18-28 years old.
• Knowledge about mental illness and behavioral health issues.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• Act as a support and resource for youth and young adults.
• Support youth empowerment through skills development.
• Collaborate with other service team members.

Skills

Willingness to use personal experience in recovery

Excellent communication skills

Excellent problem-solving skills

Ability to work effectively in multicultural environment

Education

High School diploma or GED

Certification as Youth Peer Support Specialist (preferred)

Tools

Computer skills (word processing, spreadsheets, email)

Job description

Youth Peer Support Specialist (25-166)

Network180 - Kent County Community Mental Health

Department / Location: Care Management Adult Mental Health

Compensation: $17.24-$22.86 (final offer based on internal equity, skills, education, experience, and credentials)

Benefits: Four health insurance plans | 100% employer paid dental and vision insurance | 13 paid holidays | Generous PTO | Professional development | Tuition reimbursement | Professional license reimbursement | Defined contribution retirement plan | Employee Assistance program | Life and voluntary life insurance options | Short and Long term disability | Approved site for loan forgiveness (NHSC, STAR, Behavioral Health, MI Kids Now, etc.)

Network180 employees make a difference in people’s lives everyday. We are the behavioral health community organization responsible for the delivery of mental health, substance abuse treatment coordination, and developmental disabilities services for Kent County. We need individuals who are passionate about helping others.

Job Overview

We are seeking a Youth Peer Support Specialist (YPSS). The YPSS will act as a support and resource for youth and young adults (YYA) receiving services in the behavioral health system, working one‑on‑one or in a group to support them in achieving their goals through shared activities and interventions. This position will support youth empowerment by assisting YYA in developing skills to improve overall functioning and quality of life while collaborating with other service team members.

This position is 40 hours a week, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm with some evenings dependent on schedules. It is a in‑person assignment at 790 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 and within the community.

Minimum Qualifications

• Age 18‑28 years old
• High School diploma or GED
• Willing and able to self‑identify as a person who has or is receiving mental health services, currently in stable recovery, and is prepared to use that experience helping others
• Certification as Youth Peer Support Specialist preferred OR obtain certification in first year of employment
• Knowledge about mental illness and behavioral health issues, treatment and crisis planning
• Knowledge of public and private child‑serving organizations
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for job related use
• Computer skills (word processing, spreadsheets, email, data entry)
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Excellent problem‑solving skills
• Work effectively in multicultural environment; ability to bridge language/cultural barriers within diverse communities

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience receiving services as a youth in complex, child‑serving systems (Community Mental Health, substance abuse treatment, juvenile justice, special education, foster care, Children’s Protective Services, etc.)
• Experience leading and/or coordinating services for youth
• Knowledge about substance use disorders and recovery
• Familiar with community and mental health resources for YYA in Kent County
• Familiar with community and mental health resources for adults in Kent County

Job interviews are being conducted in person or via the internet. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Assistance with the application process may be requested through the Human Resources Department at 616‑336‑3909 or [e-mail]. Network180 is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Network180 participates in E‑Verify. Network180 is a drug and alcohol‑free workplace, which includes the prohibition of medical and recreational marijuana use. Successful completion of a drug screen is part of our background check process.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.