Peer Support Specialist/Foster Care Alumni

Job Title: Peer Support Specialist

Employment Type: Full Time

If you have a powerful desire to help others and positively impact the lives of youth, emerging adults, and families who have experience with the Michigan foster care system, you should join The New Foster Care’s (TNFC) team. Our mission is to make a transformative change in the Michigan Foster Care system and a measurable and meaningful impact in the lives of youth who have experienced foster care. TNFC’s mission is accomplished through partnering with the State and local agencies to develop, fund, and implement innovative pilot programs; researching and advancing policy and legislative action in the best interests of Michigan’s children; and providing direct service programs that change the trajectory of youth with experience in foster care.

TNFC’s main transition service program, The Bridge, serves youth and emerging adults (ages 14 to 29), assisting them to achieve greater self-sufficiency and attain their goals along five life transition domains (Employment & Career, Living Situation, Educational Opportunity, Community Life Functioning, Personal Effectiveness & Wellbeing). The program model utilizes a treatment team approach, with a Transition Navigator, Personal Wellness Coach, and Peer Support Specialist, all assigned to assist the client on their journey.

Job Summary:

As a Peer Support Specialist (PSS) at The New Foster Care (TNFC), you will play a pivotal role in assisting youth and emerging adults who have experienced the foster care system. Your personal background in foster care will enable you to connect, mentor, and coach participants in our Bridge Program, contributing to their success in achieving self-sufficiency and life goals. By working collaboratively with the TNFC team, you will help participants navigate challenges, build resilience, and make positive strides towards independence. You will also assist in the development and implementation of youth-guided services and provide feedback and insight to TNFC staff on ways to best support Participants.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

· Personal experience with the foster care system.

· Candidates/Employees must have a high school diploma or GED.

Qualifications & Skills:

Powerful desire to help others and positively impact the lives of youth, emerging adults, and families.

Ability to provide culturally competent services that show sensitivity to the service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.

Ability to interact and communicate both verbally and in writing with youth and emerging adults with serious emotional disturbances, parents, foster parents, caregivers, schools, other staff, physicians, county agencies, other health care and social services providers and the public.

• Ability to deliver clear, concise, and timely documentation.
• Ability to make appropriate linkages to community resources, especially related to the mental health, education, medical and social services fields.
• Ability to work well under stressful situations.
• Ability to work creatively and effectively in a fast paced, enthusiastic, and team-oriented workplace.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule that allows for support to clients during non-typical business hours, if needed.
• Ability to drive to and from client homes in the Metro Detroit area in personal vehicle.
• Demonstrated computer skills and ability to document progress notes within a data base.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Peer Mentorship:

• Utilize your personal experience with the foster care system to connect, mentor, and coach participants in the Bridge Program.
• Share your journey, resiliency, and skills to empower participants and foster a sense of camaraderie.
• Work alongside the Transition Navigator to provide guidance, support, and advocacy for participants' needs.

Individualized Support:

• Collaborate with the Transition Navigator to deliver individualized support aligned with participants' goals.
• Help participants build confidence, make informed choices, and develop skills leading to greater independence.
• Assist participants in accessing vital documents, transportation, and resources essential for their progress.

Collaborative Engagement:

• Foster positive working relationships with TNFC staff and diverse individuals and groups
• Participant in the development and implementation of workshops, groups, and activities that promote empowerment, advocacy, and life skills.
• Contribute to community resource mapping efforts to identify resources relevant to participants’ transition domains.

Advocacy and Communication:

• Serve as a resource for participants during appointments and engagement events as directed by the Transition Navigator.
• Collaborate with the Navigators to identify available resources, training and skills-building opportunities for participants.
• Report any concerns, including mandatory reporting matters, that arise when engaging with participants.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain clear and concise documentation of interactions, progress, and participant feedback.
• Complete required documentation within specified timeframes to ensure accurate record-keeping.
• Communicate regularly with supervisors and the Transition Navigator regarding assigned duties and responsibilities. Attends regularly scheduled staff meetings and required training.

Additional Work Requirements:

Valid unrestricted driver's license, with proof of current registration and automobile insurance; reliable personal transportation suitable for safely transporting program participants required.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $30,000.00 - $40,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

• 25% (Required)