Youth Peer Support Specialist — Empowerment & Connections

The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Retirement plan

Paid Time Off (prior service credit)

Cell phone discounts

Headspace subscription

Employee Assistance Program

Student loan forgiveness

Job summary

The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD in Houston, TX is seeking a Youth Peer Support Specialist who will draw on lived experience to empower youth and promote self-directed growth. Travel to communities, schools, and homes may be required.

You will build trusting relationships, connect youth to resources, support self-advocacy, and document activities in the electronic medical record while upholding trauma-informed, culturally competent care.

Qualifications

• Must identify as a user of Mental Health Services.
• Must have at least 12 months treatment history for one severe mental illness.
• Background check required.

Responsibilities

• Provide youth engagement and peer support.
• Develop authentic relationships with youth and families.
• Identify community resources for youth.
• Assist youth in building community supports.
• Promote self-advocacy and goal setting.
• Collaborate with team to engage youth.
• Report safety concerns to the team.
• Maintain supervision and documentation in EMR.

Skills

Lived experience

Empathy & communication

Boundaries & self-care

Team collaboration

Bilingual (strong plus)

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Certification within 90 days

Job description

The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD in Houston, TX is seeking a Youth Peer Support Specialist who will draw on lived experience to empower youth and promote self-directed growth. Travel to communities, schools, and homes may be required.

You will build trusting relationships, connect youth to resources, support self-advocacy, and document activities in the electronic medical record while upholding trauma-informed, culturally competent care.