Youth Peer Mentor

Founded in 1867, the Sacramento Children's Home is the oldest active charity in Sacramento and among the most highly respected. SCH is an equal opportunity employer who values an inclusive work environment that celebrates and recognizes the diversity of its employees. At SCH, we appreciate that having employees of many different backgrounds strengthens our organization, and we strive to create a workforce that reflects the diverse and culturally rich communities that we serve.

Our Wraparound Program provides individualized service and support to families to ensure that children return to a safe, stable family home.

OVERVIEW: The Youth Peer Mentor (YPM) serves as a voice for youth receiving treatment in one of the SCH mental health programs. As a part of the child and family team, the YPM provides assistance and support to Sacramento Children’s Home youth including peer coaching/mentoring, in-home support, accompanying youth and parents to meetings, providing community resource information and advocating for services. The YPM works in collaboration with each mental health program and ensures a youth voice in the system of care to improve the quality of services at SCH.

DUTIES:

• Peer Advocacy/Service
• Provides individual mentorship and support to youth being served within the agency’s various mental health programs.
• Communicates, represents, and advocates on behalf of the youth perspective within the clinic setting. Works in collaboration with team members in the mental health programs.
• Engages and guides youth to explore and articulate their own values, beliefs, and to find their own voice.
• Provides services individually, in groups, in diverse clinic and community settings that meet the needs of youth and families.
• Helps youth identify their personal and cultural strengths and determine how these assets can be part of their treatment plan.
• Identifies information and resources in local communities which are useful to youth within those communities.
• Participates in the intake process/interview meeting as assigned.
• Participates in staff trainings and presentations regarding peer advocacy, as required.
• Provides orientation to staff on the role of the Youth Peer Mentor and philosophy.
• Advocates, educates, makes referrals to clinical staff, and supports youth without providing clinical advice.
• Mentors youth by using self as a positive role model while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Assists youth in developing and maintaining healthy peer and adult relationships.
• Consults on treatment and outreach approaches for youth.
• Participates in policy planning meetings with Family Partner and Program Managers as needed.
• Participates in treatment planning and case conferences as part of the child family team.
• Shares personal experiences and firsthand experiences to support a strength-based and client/family friendly atmosphere.
• Participates in at least one county community advisory meeting per quarter which can be determined in concert with Program Coordinator. Examples include: Mental Health Board Children’s Stakeholder Committee, Mental Health Services Act planning meetings, and Division focus groups.
• Attends Youth Advocate Committee (known as YAC) which includes Youth Peer Mentors from other provider agencies throughout the county.
• Attends Child Family Services Provider meetings and Service Provider meetings which meets quarterly.
• Documents interventions with youth and/or families in a thorough and timely manner.

LOCATION: 2750 Sutterville Rd. Sacramento, CA 95820 (Wraparound Program)

SCHEDULE: Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

SALARY: $22.46 - $25.27 per hour to start, PLUSUp to $8,400 annual productivity bonus

QUALIFICATIONS: A High School diploma or GED is required.

The completion of at least 12 units in Child Development, Psychology, Social Work, Early Childhood Development, or similar field is preferred.

Must have received recent direct services through the public mental health system as a youth.

The YPM cannot have worked for the same agency where services are/were being received. (Working with youth who received public mental health services is not a substitute for this requirement).

Driving is an essential function of this job. As such, employees in this position will be required to furnish their own vehicle to be used in the course of employment. A valid driver’s license and minimum insurance coverage is also required. Must be at least 21 years old.

BENEFITS: Excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life and accident insurance, short and long-term disability plans, retirement plan with company match, paid vacation, sick leave, 11 paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, professional development, and career advancement opportunities.

TO APPLY: External candidates must complete our online employment application available at www.kidshome.org/careers.

PLEASE NOTE: Non-SCH employees who are made an offer of employment will be required to pass a post-offer, pre-employment background process that includes passing a drug test, including marijuana. Applicants who do not pass any part of this pre-employment process will have their offer of employment rescinded.