Certified Peer Support- Youth

The Youth Peer Specialist (YPS) supports young adults, ages 16 - 21, by sharing their own lived experience of mental health/addictions with young adults to foster hope, build resiliency, and develop self-advocacy skills that will empower them to reach their goals. YPS will be expected to work with our clinical team to address the critical domains of functioning for youth/young adults, to include but not limited to working, learning, belonging, living, and healing through a strengths-based individualized team process. Travel may be required.

• Utilizing lived experience, the youth peer support specialist will
  • Provide peer support to young adults ages 16 – 21 years of age by sharing their own experiences and building trusting relationships.
  • Offer support and guidance to young adults as they receive services and support from our organization.
  • Foster hope and approach young adults’ skills from a strengths-based perspective.
  • Coordinate outreach and youth engagement efforts in the community.
  • Practice culturally responsive communication and interaction with young adults and their families and/or natural supports.
  • Act as a resource and safe person for young adults to approach with questions, concerns, and accomplishments.
  • Teach and role model the value of every individual’s recovery experience
  • Model effective coping techniques and self-help strategies.
  • Assist clients in developing empowerment skills and combating stigma through self- advocacy. Utilize regular meetings, individual, and/or group sessions.
  • Articulate with patients what has been helpful and what not been helpful in his/her own recovery process.
  • Identify beliefs and values a consumer holds that works against his/her recovery.
  • Discern when and how much of their lived experience to share with patients.

• Using a formal goal setting process, the youth peer support specialist will:
  • Assist patients in articulating personal goals for recovery through the use of one-to one and group sessions. Support clients in identifying and creating goals and developing recovery plans with the skills, strengths, supports and resources to aid them in achieving those goals.
  • Plan and research for small groups and interest activities.
  • Facilitate small groups focusing on topics related to recovery: Coping Techniques, Health Teaching, Spirituality, and Social Interaction.
  • Assist young adults in working with treatment team in determining the steps he/she needs to take in order to achieve these goals.
• Participate in one-on-one relationship building with youth / young adults. Activities could be done in the community.
• Maintain proper documentation in a timely manner as required by SpectraCare and Alabama Department of Mental Health policies. Complete daily notes and regular documentation as required by SpectraCare guidelines.
• Participate in meetings with supervisor to discuss ideas, difficulties, suggestions and expectations. Facilitate understanding between client and clinician.

• Bachelor’s degree in a mental illness or related field.
• Previously completed Certified Youth Peer Specialist training and exam with ADMH.

BENEFITS INCLUDE:
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama Health and Dental Insurance

Alabama State Retirement
Paid Holidays
Paid Time Off- Sick time, personal, vacation leave
Company paid life insurance
AD&D and dependent life insurance