Youth Peer Support Specialist

Summary/Objective:

The Youth Peer Specialist (YPSS) will act as a support and resource for youth with serious emotional disturbances (SED) who are receiving services in the behavioral health system. The YPSS act as a key member of the treatment team by working with youth one on one or in a group, supporting them in achieving goals through shared activities and interventions. YPSSs will support youth empowerment by assisting youth in developing skills to improve their overall functioning and quality of life and working collaboratively with others involved in delivering the youth’s care.

Essential Functions: (Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions)

• Build and foster relationships with the youth and family & others working with the youth
• Actively engage as part of the treatment team to meet youth needs, complete all required documentation and paperwork.
• Prepare the youth to fully participate in their own meetings and treatment planning process (including Wraparound, Family Centered Planning meetings (IPOS), IEP meetings, etc.)
• Teach self-advocacy, problem solving and independent living skills
• Provide support during “rough” or “crisis” times*
• Provide community education about youth culture and perspective
• Interrupt bias and promote a stance of acceptance while reducing stigma about mental health
• Empower the youth to build understanding in others about their unique mental health needs
• In collaboration with the youth, work with other internal and external partners (i.e. schools, faith community, other human services organizations) to develop natural supports to eliminate barriers to services, enhance existing community services or develop new services based on the needs of the youth
• Co-facilitate groups of youth focusing on goals as specified in treatment plan
• Provide consultation and education to individuals and groups and use problem solving techniques with the objective of assisting youth in improving or maintaining functioning.
• Serve as a role model and active participant in supporting youth in meeting their treatment plan goals.
• Document contacts in a timely manner utilizing LEO progress notes, chart notes, billing tickets, and incident reports
• Attend all staff meetings

· Attend all trainings scheduled (ARE staff trainings, LifeWays’ required trainings, etc.)

· Attend all required training to enhance skills and meet Agency guidelines and as required by the Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), and other agencies governing the operation of the Agency.

• Participate in State required trainings and coaching calls to keep certification up-to-date

Specializations: Depending on needs and skill sets of individuals, an addendum may be added to this job description. (If individual specializes, please initial the addendum(s) added)

o Support Group Facilitation

Competencies:

• Ability to communicate and model a sense of hope and expectancy for youth with SED
• Ability and willingness to self-disclose and share experience with others
• Technical skill in the area of community collaborations.
• Knowledge and resources of the child serving systems and how to access useful resources in the community.
• Ability to maintain and role model strong boundaries.
• Problem solving skills.

· Competence in working as a team member within child serving systems

· Ability to work independently

· Professional demeanor

· Ability to work as part of a treatment team

· Commitment to meeting deadlines

· Ability to manage multiple tasks independently

· Excellent organizational and time management skills

· Excellent written and/or verbal communication skills

· Experience using office equipment, including telephone, fax machine, copier, printer and computer

· Proficient in computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite (Work, Excel, Outlook), LifeWays Electronic Organizer (LEO), and the internet.

· Ability to complete the reporting requirements of the CMHSP, Michigan Department of Community Health and/or family organization

· Possess knowledge of community resources

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: This position may be part-time or full-time. General hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am through 4:00 pm, although some flexibility in hours is possible based on the needs of the family.

Travel: Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some out-of-the-area and overnight travel may be necessary.

Education:

· High school diploma or GED required.

· State of Michigan YPSP Certification, or the ability to obtain certification within 3 months of hire

· Valid Michigan motor vehicle operator’s license

Experience:

· One to six months related experience, preferred

· Ability to consent to a criminal background check prior to offer of employment

· Ability to undergo drug screening, as needed

· Experience as group facilitator, preferred

Additional Qualifications:

· Young adult, ages 18 through 26.

· Willing and able to self-identify as a person who has or is receiving mental health services as a youth and has lived experience, and is prepared to use that experience in helping others.

• Experience receiving services as a youth in complex, child serving systems (behavioral health, child welfare, juvenile justice, special education, etc.) preferred.
• High School Diploma/ GED

· Eligible and understands that they must be trained in MDHHS approved curriculum and ongoing training model

· Strong communication, time management and organizational skills.

· Possess basic computer proficiency skills

· Valid driver’s license

· Ability to pass background check and screening requirements as required by agency

· Use of personal vehicle required

· Must have an acceptable driving record

· Must have and provide proof of personal vehicle insurance

Other Duties:

· Participate in ARE fundraising (raffle sales, etc.)

· Have knowledge of HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act), preferred

· Maintain confidential records and information

· Comply with all ARE policies and procedures

· Attend and participate in meetings, trainings, and conferences as required

· Represent ARE in a positive, professional manner

Disclaimers: The information on this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees to do this job. The job description will be reviewed periodically as duties and responsibilities change with business necessity. This job description is not a contract for employment. ARE reserves the right to modify the position at any time without notice.

Note: the list of essential and additional functions is not exhaustive. It may be supplemented as necessary from time to time.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $12.48 - $14.50 per hour

Expected hours: 10 – 20 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Application Question(s):

• All candidates must have either past or present mental health services

Ability to Commute:

• Jackson, MI 49201 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Jackson, MI 49201: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $12 - $15