Youth Peer Support Specialist (Aged 18-24)

Pay is $16/hr.

Applicants must be between 18-24 years old and identify as a peer as described:

someone who has 5 or more years of experience with mental health challenges, substance abuse challenges or other life challenges such as trauma experience, homelessness or perhaps growing up in the foster care system

This is a part time position, starting at 5-10 hours a week, with the opportunity to increase hours. Peers make their own schedule and will support clients in person within their local area and by zoom for clients located further away. Occasionally, they will come into our Yarmouth office. Training to become a Youth Peer Support Specialist is provided, if needed.

A Youth Peer Support Specialist is between 18-24 years old and is a member of the BHH multidisciplinary team of professionals who provide treatment and support to members of the BHH program. The Youth Peer works will provide support to teenagers and young adults. As a member of the team, this person assists clients with accessing Peer Support services, provides various forms of education to clients and co-workers about the role of the PSS, facilitates peer groups, and links clients to a variety of local resources. This work is done in the office, at clients' residences, in the local community, and may involve travel and attending meetings.

The Youth Peer Support Specialist encourages teens and young adults to move toward self-advocacy in the attainment of culturally-specific life goals for themselves .They meet with the client one-on-one to provide support and encouragement towards resiliency. They may also facilitate support groups that address areas of concern. The position requires travel to client's homes and meetings in the community, in addition to office based work. The position seeks to foster relationships and skill building that improves the client's wellbeing.

• Build a connection with clients by sharing common experiences and re-defining help as a co-learning and growing process.
• Assist clients and families with connecting with PEER groups and community-based PEER programs
• Assist clients and families in understanding and managing their mental health conditions and symptoms.
• Support clients and families with locating/utilizing local programs and services.
• Assist clients and families with understanding their rights and responsibilities as a recipient of mental health services.

Educational qualifications:

• High school diploma
• Experience: Must identify as a “peer,” that is, someone who has 5 or more years of experience with mental health challenges, substance abuse challenges or other life challenges such as trauma experience, homelessness or perhaps growing up in the foster care system.
• Certifications: Already be a Youth Peer Support Specialist or obtain certification within 6 months of date of hire. We will pay for training time, and the certification is free to obtain.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From $16.00 per hour

Expected hours: 5 – 10 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program

Schedule:

• Choose your own hours

Application Question(s):

• Do you identify as a peer as described in our job posting?
• The state requires those in this position to be between 18-24 years old. Are you between 18-24?

Experience:

• Peer Support: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• drivers license and reliable vehicle (Required)
• Youth Peer Support certification (Preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Yarmouth, ME 04096