The Coordinator Youth Program provides peer support to participants through one on one and group activities. Serving as an advocate for youth rights and voice in mental health and the other systems that serve them, for the purpose of empowering youth to be equal partners in the process of change. The Coordinator may also provide general services such as advocacy, connecting participants with resources to a variety of behavioral health and community settings. The Youth Coordinator engages in supportive interactions with ODMHSAS stakeholders. 

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve on the local-level implementation team 
• Participate in development of a strategic plan 
• Provide youth leadership at the local level
• Provide training to youth in advocacy strategies
• Assist with the development of youth involvement activities at the local level
• Some public speaking will be required
• Expand and strengthen local youth support network
• Facilitate development of a Youth MOVE chapter
• Empower participants through promoting autonomy, self-direction, and self-advocacy.
• Maintain a working knowledge of current trends and developments in the behavioral health field through ongoing participation in trainings other educational opportunities 
• Meet weekly requirement of direct service contacts as identified by supervisor
• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• To ensure a potential conflict of interest isn't present, please disclose if you are currently receiving services from any of our MHAOK programs during the application process.
• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Be stabilized in recovery for a minimum of one year.
• Strong interest in working with transitional-age youth (16 – 25 years old)
• Demonstrated participation in advocacy and/or personal knowledge of mental health services OR has lived experience with their own behavioral health challenge. 
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule including nights and weekends
• Basic computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Be able to serve as an example to support others on similar journeys and be willing to self-disclose about personal experiences, self-care, and wellness.
• Knowledge of, or willingness to become knowledgeable, in Systems of Care philosophy, Wraparound and Recovery principles, the continuum of care, family and youth involvement including the belief in family driven and youth guided care, the importance of evaluation /data collection in continuous quality improvement, and the successful implementation of the project 
• Will be required to attend the annual Grantee Meeting, Wrap 101 Training and Youth Peer Support Specialist Training.

WORK CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Work is performed in a climate-controlled office setting, where exposure to conditions of extreme heat/cold, poor ventilation, fumes and gases is unlikely. 
• The noise level is moderate and includes sounds of normal office equipment (printers, fax machine, phones, etc.)
• No environmental hazards are encountered in the normal performance of job duties. 
• Work requires a flexible work schedule due to internal and external meetings. Frequent local travel may be required with occasional travel within the state; must have reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license. 
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards of the site and staff behavior.
• Ability to safely and properly use office equipment.