Youth Peer Support Specialist – Integrated

Job Code:12421

Location:Saco 04072

Department:Other

FT/PT Status:Part Time

Summary:

This position is integrated with Sweetser's Saco BHH team!

Applies the tools developed in his or her own recovery as well as the philosophy and values of Youth Peer Support to build a connection, consider world view, maintain mutuality, and move towards a new way of being within the new relationship being built with the individual. The Youth Peer Support Specialist - Integrated will collaborate, coach, and challenge youth that are under 21 years of age in viewing life’s challenges as an opportunity for growth and change within each individual’s recovery process.

The role of Youth Peer Support Specialist requires someone between 18-26 years of age and have significant experience with recovery from mental health challenges, substance use disorder, and/or life interrupting trauma.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Fully understands and is able to actively implement the Peer Connect Training Model.

• Models relationship building, based on the Peer Connect Training Model with participants, volunteers and colleagues.

• Facilitates peer support groups on an as needed basis to build community and connection among youth participants.

• Understands and actively implements the Eight Dimensions of Wellness as described by SAMHSA.

• Models the attributes of respect, trust, sensitivity and confidentiality.

• Supports and models healthy relationships.

• Schedules will vary according to program needs.

• Youth receiving services at Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC)

• Child Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)

• Child Behavioral Health Home (BHH)

• Mobile Crisis Team

• Follows best practices and guidelines established for each program.

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS:

• Be committed to the mission, vision, and values of the organization.

• Works collaboratively as a member of a team with various groups of staff, depending on the issue addressed.

• Assures quality in work performed to facilitate the delivery of quality services.

• Reports accidents and injuries in a timely fashion, demonstrates safe housekeeping practices, notifies supervisor of potential health and safety concerns immediately, participates in health and safety training as required, understands and follows all Sweetser health and safety policies.

• Understands and complies with all Sweetser policies and procedures.

• Actively participates in ongoing supervision and team meetings.

• Provides timely and accurate paperwork, including timesheets and expense reports.

• Actively engages the assigned manager whenever you have questions or concerns.

• Provides the assigned manager with updated information regarding your availability.

• Ability to support and recognize the important role that volunteers play. Sweetser employees work with, support, collaborate with volunteers, and promote opportunities for volunteer engagement.

• Performs all other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION:

• High School diploma or equivalent.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED:

• Peer Connect Training completed within 9 months of hire.

• Staff must maintain a valid state driver’s license, reliable transportation and adequate insurance.

• State of Maine Certified Intentional Peer Support Specialist (CIPSS) Certification; or

• Complete the CIPSS pre-training within the first thirty (30) calendar days of hire;

• Attend monthly co-reflections within sixty (60) calendar days of hire; and

• Attend CIPSS 101 and apply for the next available Core Training within ninety (90) calendar days of hire.

• Meet the annual State of Maine requirements to maintain CIPSS Certification.

EXPERIENCE:

• Knowledge gained by lived experience with the process of Recovery from trauma, serious mental illness, and/or co-occurring Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and is willing to self-identify with peers on this basis in the community.

• Paid, or unpaid, peer support experience preferred.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Demonstrates knowledge of personal Recovery.

• Ability to be emotionally present and competent; recognize when you are not, seek support, and communicate this to the assigned manager.

• Ability to work with diverse populations and accept differences in perspective and values.

• Intermediate computer skills including the expectation of utilizing Electronic Health Record software.