Youth Peer Support Specialist

Youth Peer Support Specialist (YPSS)

Location: Bangor, ME

Job Type: Part-Time (4 hours per week)

Help Young People Build Hope, Connections, and Recovery

We are looking for a compassionate and motivated Youth Peer Support Specialist, aged 18-30, to join our team in Bangor, Maine. This role needs to have someone who has lived experience with mental health and/or substance use challenges and wants to use that experience to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people and families in our community.

As a Certified Youth Peer Support Specialist (YPSS), you will support youth through authentic peer relationships grounded in mutual respect, hope, and recovery. This is not a clinical position, it is an opportunity to walk alongside young people as they build confidence, strengthen supports, and work toward the goals that matter most to them.

If you are passionate about recovery, community connection, advocacy, and empowering youth voices, we encourage you to apply.

What You’ll Do

· Build supportive peer relationships with youth through shared lived experience and recovery-oriented support

· Encourage self-advocacy, personal growth, wellness, and self-directed recovery

· Provide one-on-one and group peer support in community-based settings

· Facilitate peer-led activities, social opportunities, and recovery-focused groups

· Help youth connect with community resources, natural supports, educational opportunities, and employment goals

· Support engagement and re-engagement in services and community supports

· Assist youth in identifying strengths, building confidence, and developing healthy coping strategies

· Promote wellness, healthy lifestyles, and meaningful community involvement

· Collaborate with case management and clinical teams while maintaining the unique role and boundaries of peer support

· Maintain timely and accurate documentation in accordance with agency and regulatory standards

What We’re Looking For

Required Qualifications

· High School Diploma or GED

· Current Maine Certified Youth Peer Support Specialist (YPSS) certification, or willingness to obtain and maintain certification

· Lived experience with mental health and/or substance use challenges and currently in solid recovery

· Willingness to share recovery experiences appropriately to support others

· Valid driver’s license and current vehicle insurance

· Strong communication and interpersonal skills

· Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment

· Strong organizational and time-management skills

· Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and professional boundaries

· Sensitivity to diverse backgrounds, experiences, and identities

· Flexible schedule availability

What Makes Someone Successful in This Role

· Genuine empathy and ability to connect with youth in a supportive, nonjudgmental way

· Passion for recovery-oriented and person-centered care

· Positive attitude and strong advocacy skills

· Ability to inspire hope and resilience through lived experience

· Comfort working in community settings and helping youth navigate real-life challenges

Why Join Our Team?

· Meaningful work that creates lasting impact in the lives of young people

· Supportive and collaborative team culture

· Opportunities for professional growth and continued peer support training

· A workplace that values lived experience and peer leadership

· Ongoing supervision, education, and development opportunities

If you’re ready to use your experience to support youth in building brighter futures, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today to join a team committed to recovery, connection, and hope.

Pay: From $17.50 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Flexible schedule
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18