What are the responsibilities and job description for the Youth Support Partner position at Mount Rogers Community Services Board?
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JOB SUMMARY:
The Youth Support Partner (YSP) will use their lived experience and current recovery to engage youth (12-17) and young adults (18-25) who are in behavioral health services while maintaining appropriate boundaries. The YSP will focus on engagement in, or barriers to, resiliency and recovery, return to use prevention, career options, health and wellness and prosocial behaviors, and possible family involvement. The YSP will provide recovery support with the community treatment team.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Provide peer support to the youth. Peer support allows the YSP to provide education, modeling, active listening, and the disclosure of personal experiences to the youth.
- Assist the youth in identifying their strengths/needs and ensure the needs are being addressed. YSP will coach, educate, support, and encourage youth to use their own voice to express their views clearly and to make informed decisions.
- Assist the youth in identifying and utilizing formal and natural support systems, as well as exploring pro-social activities to assist in managing symptoms.
- Work with the youth to develop a wellness recovery plan.
- Actively ensure that the youth’s own voice drives the process and their recovery.
- Provide education and inform youth of resources available in their community. The YSP will assist the youth with accessing community resources.
- Help the youth understand the current systems they are navigating.
- The YSP will provide recovery support during service transitions as the youth moves through a treatment continuum of care.
OTHER DUTIES:
- Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
- Build and maintain a relationship with the youth throughout the delivery of services.
- Participate in weekly face-to-face supervision.
- The Youth Support Partner will enroll as a member with the Youth Mental Health Corps in the peer support/recovery navigator pathway.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Ability to establish and maintain rapport with youth.
- Knowledge of basic social skills and daily living skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively, orally, and in writing.
- Basic computer skills.
EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION REQUIRED:
Must be 18-26 years of age and have personal lived experience starting in childhood/adolescence and within the past ten years, with the mental health system, social services, foster care, juvenile justice, or substance use challenges.
High school diploma or GED required.
Valid Driver's License and copy of DMV safe driving record required.