Youth Peer Support Specialist

Job Description

Engage in CM and BHH Program Orientation. Utilize personal experiences to uplift and guide youth through their individual paths of recovery and self-discovery. Connect with a minimum of 8-10 BHH youth, as outlined in their care plan, to: Build robust, strength-based connections with youth. Share appropriate personal stories to encourage unity, optimism, and strength. Deliver individual and group peer support during working hours. Empower youth to highlight and emphasize their aims and perspectives. Encourage youth growth and empowerment. Work in tandem with the BHH team to promote youth opinions and choices. Document interactions with youth in their electronic health record, ensuring privacy as discussed with a clinical supervisor. Offer training to agency staff on the Youth Peer Support Specialist role as required. Adhere to the core competencies of Youth Peer Support: Self Determination, Hopefulness, Wellbeing, Social Connectedness, and Self Advocacy. Advocate for equality and fairness within the community. Commit to a holistic service approach for optimal results. Offer trauma-informed, youth-centered, unbiased, and empowering services. Assist youth in navigating various systems (medical, mental health/behavioral, child welfare, educational, juvenile justice) and achieving their goals. Encourage healthy habits and wellness practices, including substance abuse and smoking prevention, nutrition, and physical activity. Regularly participate in all mandatory agency supervisions, trainings, and meetings, along with external training relevant to the role to maintain certification. Provide support aligned with recovery principles, emphasizing peer and natural support, and crisis de-escalation. Maintain the confidentiality of client records, adhering to HIPAA and 42CFR regulations. Seek appropriate supervision for concerns, ethical issues, and feedback from supervisors and Directors. Prioritize the health, safety, and welfare of youth at all times. Complete necessary paperwork (supervision logs, progress notes, incident reports, etc.). Deliver services ethically, following the NASW Code of Ethics and relevant ethical guidelines. Participate in mandatory reporting according to agency policy and Maine Law. Develop and maintain a personal self-care plan to avoid fatigue and secondary trauma, seeking supervision for self-care concerns. Complete other duties as assigned by the Management Team.

Qualifications

1. Must have personal experience with mental health challenges and have received support via youth-serving systems (school, mental health care, child welfare, etc.) 2. High School diploma or GED equivalent. 3. Must be between 18-30 years old (per MaineCare Regulations Section 92). 4. Must be a Certified Youth Peer Support Specialist in Maine or able to obtain certification within 9 months of hiring. 5. Valid Driver's license and have reliable transportation.

Benefits

- Irregular - Part-Time - Flexible Schedule - Travel Re-imbursement - EAP available - 401k plan