Youth Peer Support Specialist

SUMMARY:

This role is integrated into the Behavioral Health Home (BHH) department and will provide support to the BHH team as the Youth Peer Support Specialist. The individual in this role will apply the tools developed in his or her own recovery as well as the philosophy and values of Youth Peer Supports to build a connection, consider world view, maintain mutuality, and move towards a new way of being within the new relationship being built with the individual. The Youth Peer Support Specialist will collaborate, coach, and challenge youth that are under 21 years of age in viewing life’s challenges as an opportunity for growth and change within each individual’s recovery process.

The role of Youth Peer Support Specialist requires someone between 18-26 years of age and have significant experience with recovery from mental health challenges, substance use disorder, and/or life interrupting trauma (per Section 92, MaineCare Regulations).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Fully understands and is able to actively implement the Peer Connect Training Model.
• Models relationship building, based on the Peer Connect Training Model with participants, volunteers and colleagues.
• Facilitates peer support groups on an as needed basis to build community and connection among youth participants.
• Understands and actively implements the Eight Dimensions of Wellness as described by SAMHSA.
• Models the attributes of respect, trust, sensitivity and confidentiality.
• Supports and models healthy relationships.
• Follows best practices and guidelines established for each program.
  
  

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS:

• Be committed to the mission, vision, and values of the organization.
• Works collaboratively as a member of a team with various groups of staff, depending on the issue addressed.
• Assures quality in work performed to facilitate the delivery of quality services.
• Understands and complies with all organizational policies and procedures.
• Actively participates in ongoing supervision and team meetings.
• Provides timely and accurate paperwork, including timesheets and expense reports.
• Actively engages the assigned manager whenever you have questions or concerns.
• Provides the assigned manager with updated information regarding your availability.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.
  

• High School diploma or equivalent.
  
• Peer Connect Training completed within 9 months of hire.
• State of Maine Certified Intentional Peer Support Specialist (CIPSS) Certification.