Youth Peer Support Partner

Per Diem - Youth Peer Support Specialist

An exciting new opportunity to support young people of Southern Maine!

The Youth Peer Support Partner, is a team member of the Children's Behavioral Health Home (children's case management)- this role is defined by having lived experience with mental health problems and possibly having used services like what TOA offers. This is a role that provides direct support and advocacy with youth in their communities.

An ideal candidate will be aged 18-26 and enjoy helping youth in several types of capacities. The Youth Peer Support partner will be a part of our larger team and attend meetings and trainings. There is also a possibility of creating trainings and networking opportunities inside the agency and with the greater community.

Why should I consider this role and why is it important?

This is an authentic and mutual relationship where you can share your own experience with a youth who may need just that type of support to help them with life's hurdles. Not all youth want to work with paid professionals and instead, prefer a less formal and more natural form of support with their mental health concerns, family and friend problems, and so forth. Your experience combined with creation of a space where everything is talkable can make a meaningful difference. You will also serve as the 'expert' on the youth experience to our teammates.

Why should I consider this position within TOA's CBHH team?

You will find a supportive and encouraging team, individual and group supervision many times monthly, and a high level of support from the agency. This is also a Monday through Friday position with no weekend or on call requirements. Client contact occurs where the clients prefer but documentation/ administrative tasks can be completed at home.

Short list requirements:

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• License/Certifications: Completion of, or ability to complete, the relevant training to the position will be provided. Valid Driving license and reliable transportation.
• Experience: Experience providing one-on-one and/or group facilitation peer support is preferred
• Ability to work a flexible work schedule, including evenings when needed.

Schedule: Per Diem. This is a per diem role, there is no set schedule and hours cannot be guaranteed.

Location: Office is located in South Portland, but services will be provided throughout Cumberland County.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• The YPSS must be a person who has had lived experience with the mental health world and is willing to use this experience to connect directly with youth.
• Has completed a designated Maine Office of Child and Family Services curriculum for peer supports and receives and maintains that certification or is willing to complete this certification upon hire.
• Familiarity with CBHH and able to provide support according to the values and steps of the process required.
• Ability to model strengths-based approaches to problem solving required.
• Good communication skills and an ability to establish rapport with youth, families, and provider teams.
• Ability to work a flexible work schedule, including evenings, and weekends if required.
• Demonstrated computer proficiency with Microsoft Office and Email is required.
• Must be able to successfully pass a criminal background, child protective service check & sex offender check.
• Must not be on the state or federal suspension and disbarment list.
• Normal office conditions such as sitting, with occasional standing, walking, reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, typing and lifting up to 10 pounds.
• Driving is necessary to meet clients at their preferred meeting site. There are also required meetings on site. This may include transportation of clients or driving to agency location to complete work. A good driving record is required.