What are the responsibilities and job description for the Youth Support Specialist position at OHI Inc?
Company Overview
OHI is a dedicated non-profit organization committed to providing comprehensive supports and services to adults with intellectual disabilities and mental health conditions. Since 1979, OHI has been serving communities across five counties in Eastern Maine, offering residential programs, case management, community integration, and housing solutions to enhance quality of life.
Position Summary
The Youth Support Specialist provides peer-based, youth-centered support to children and young adults receiving Children's Behavioral Health Home (BHH) services. Using personal lived experience with mental health services, the Youth Support Specialist builds trusting relationships, encourages hope and recovery, helps youth and families navigate behavioral health systems, and supports youth in achieving their goals as part of the Children's BHH team.
Minimum Qualifications
● Prefered age: Recent graduate with personal lived experience receiving (or having received) behavioral health services for a diagnosed mental illness or behavioral health condition, and willingness to use that experience appropriately; not expected to disclose specific details of diagnosis or treatment
● High school diploma or equivalent, unless a program requirement allows otherwise
● Ability to build positive relationships with youth, communicate verbally and in writing, maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries, and work as part of a multidisciplinary team
● Valid State of Maine driver's license and a reliable, insured vehicle (or ability to obtain within a set timeframe)
● Satisfactory criminal, motor vehicle, and protective services background checks
● Ability to complete required training, including Youth Support Specialist certification
● Preferred: experience with children, adolescents, or young adults; peer support, recovery, or advocacy training or experience; community-based experience
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
● Build supportive, trusting, respectful relationships with youth; provide encouragement, hope, and peer support based on lived experience
● Help youth identify strengths, interests, goals, and natural supports, and build self-advocacy, communication, coping, and other skills within the youth's individualized service plan
● Help youth understand and navigate behavioral health and community services, prepare for appointments and meetings, and take part in their own service planning
● Participate in Children's BHH team and care coordination meetings; share relevant observations with the Care Coordinator/Case Manager; support family engagement while keeping the youth's voice central
● Complete accurate, objective documentation within agency and program timelines and protect confidential youth and family information
● In a crisis or safety concern, follow OHI crisis and safety procedures and immediately involve the supervisor, clinical professional, or emergency service; follow mandatory reporting requirements
● Maintain professional boundaries, including around transportation, social media, money, gifts, and communication; avoid dual relationships
● Stay within the peer-support scope: does not diagnose, provide psychotherapy or clinical treatment, determine medical necessity, or prescribe medication; complements, rather than replaces, clinicians and the Care Coordinator/Case Manager
● Complete all required OHI, program, and state training, including trauma-informed care, crisis response, and mandated reporting
● Perform other duties as assigned
Physical Requirements
Works in community settings including OHI offices, youth homes, schools, community organizations, and provider locations. Requires travel throughout the community and the ability to safely interact with youth in community-based environments.
Legal Information
Scope of This Description: This document summarizes the general nature and level of work performed and is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. OHI reserves the right to amend this job description at any time, with or without notice, to meet business, licensing, or regulatory needs.
Pay: $19.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $19