What are the responsibilities and job description for the Youth Peer Advocate position at Ruth Ellis Center Inc.?
Job Title: Youth Peer Advocate
Department: Housing
Status: Full Time, Hourly
Rate: $18.00-$22.00 per hour
ABOUT US
We are innovative, inclusive, supportive and our goal is to create opportunities with LGBTQ young people to build their vision for a positive future. Our vision is a world where LGBTQ young people are safe and supported no matter where they go.
Our work environment includes:
We are innovative, inclusive, supportive and our goal is to create opportunities with LGBTQ young people to build their vision for a positive future. Our vision is a world where LGBTQ young people are safe and supported no matter where they go.
Our work environment includes:
- Modern office setting
- Growth opportunities
- Casual work attire
- Work-from-home days (based on role)
JOB SUMMARY:
The Youth Peer Advocate will act as a support and resource for youth engaged in Housing and Behavioral Health services, including youth living in the Ruth Ellis Clairmount Center, a 43-unit supportive housing project, and Ruth Ellis Center’s scattered site supportive housing programs. The YPA acts as a key member of the service team by working with youth one-on-one or in a group, supporting them in achieving goals through shared activities and interventions. YPA will support youth empowerment by assisting youth in developing skills to improve their overall functioning and quality of life and working collaboratively with others involved in delivering the youth’s care.
In addition to the YPA, the supportive services team includes case managers, behavioral health providers, and medical providers.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
1. Provide Peer Support Services
You’ll work to develop skills in direct client services including but not limited to:
- building professional relationships with clients
- assessing client needs and making referrals.
- completing documentation
- utilizing Motivational Interviewing techniques
- providing support during “rough” or “crisis” times.
- empowering youth to build understanding about their unique mental health needs.
- maintaining confidentiality
- participating in the service planning process (e.g. aiding in development of an Individual Plan of Service)
- meeting basic needs (ex. providing food boxes, access to showers/computers/laundry)
2. Advise on program policies and procedures
You’ll advise on internal processes for housing programs, ensuring that REC centers youth choice and agency. You’ll review program materials and advise on best practices. You’ll also provide input to the Continuum of Care in Detroit to improve services for LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness.
3. Complete Training to Become a Certified Peer Support Specialist
You will complete, with support and assistance from Ruth Ellis Center, the training to become a Certified Peer Support Specialist. A Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) is an individual with a lived experience and journey in receiving public mental health services and supports. Certification training is provided through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
4. Attend in-person check-ins with REC Staff
You’ll attend virtual or in-person check-ins with REC Staff, including team meetings and individual supervision and provide status updates, suggestions and feedback for how to continue to improve the programs and center youth voice.
5. Community Building
You’ll help build community at the Ruth Ellis at Clairmount Center by organizing community events (ex. holiday parties, balls, etc.), gathering resident feedback on desired community programming (ex. workshops or classes), and co-facilitating the Clairmount Advisory Board, comprised of individuals who live in the building.
WHAT YOU'LL BRING TO THE ROLE:
- LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning) cultural and diversity competency.
- Familiarity with the Ruth Ellis Center's principals of work (trauma informed care, harm reduction, restorative justice, and positive youth development).
- Young adult with lived experience who has received mental health services.
- Willing and able to self- identify as a person who has or is receiving public behavioral health services and is prepared to use that experience in helping others.
- Experience organizing and facilitating meetings. For example: sending invitations, creating an agenda, keeping a group on task and on time, and taking notes about the content of the meeting.
- Must complete the Certified Peer Support Specialist training through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Ruth Ellis Center will support and finance the completion of the training.
- Willingness to complete training and certification around crisis intervention and motivational interviewing techniques.
We welcome folx to apply even if you don't check off all of the boxes. Your lived and professional experience may be just what we're looking for!
EEO STATEMENT:
The Ruth Ellis Center is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions based on merit. The agency does not discriminate based race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, citizenship, veteran status, age, disability as protected by federal, state, and local laws, genetic information, or any other characteristic that is protected by law.
Salary : $18 - $22
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