What are the responsibilities and job description for the PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST position at Lighthouse Youth & Family Services?
PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST
Do you love working with children and youth, making a difference in their lives and watching them succeed? Lighthouse Youth & Family Services is seeking Full-Time Peer Support Specialist with lived experience as an individual or Parent/Guardian who has gone through a similar challenges, conditions, or life experiences within Child Welfare, Mental Health, or the Juvenile Justice Systems. Lived experience is a key aspect of their role, as it allows them to connect with clients and families on a deeper level and offer insights based on their own journey.
Starting pay rate from $16.92
Competitive pay based on education and experience.
Essential Functions:
- Supports family and youth in development of effective self-advocacy skills.
- Prepares youth and family for team meetings which includes the youth’s and family’s own contribution.
- Provides coaching techniques to clients and/or caregivers to strengthen age appropriate social and life skills, heighten communication, and encourage parental support.
- Coordinates and provides the youth and family with resources and information about programs to help the youth succeed.
- Participates as a member of inter-disciplinary treatment team to implement strategies to assist and encourage progress towards meeting goals.
- Builds and maintains professional relationships with parents/guardians to encourage communication and parental support.
- Coaches youth on demonstrating appropriate social skills at school and/or in community.
- Provides age-appropriate life skills building.
- Provides short-term respite care.
Qualifications:
- High School Diploma or equivalent (Associates or Bachelors) degree in human services or closely related field Preferred).
- At least 3 years’ experience working with youth
- Must be certified or able to obtain certification as a Youth Peer Supporter, according to the guidelines on the Dept. of Mental Health and Addiction Services website.
- Candidate must have lived experience of being part of the child welfare, juvenile justice and/or mental health systems OR be the parent/caregiver of a youth who was/is a part of the aforementioned systems.
- Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated computer proficiency.
Why Work with Lighthouse Youth & Family Services:
- Rewarding career - make a difference in the lives of youth!
- Top Workplace 2023 (https://www.lys.org/lighthouse-youth-family-services-named-a-winner-in-enquirers-2023-top-workplaces-award/)
- Work for a diverse, seasoned, and well-respected agency with engaged leadership team
- Ability to work remotely for some roles.
- Competitive pay based on education and experience.
- Generous Paid Time Off (23 days prorated based on hire date) and Other Paid Leave Options (Holidays, FMLA, Bereavement and Parental Leave)
- Medical, dental, vision, including company paid life and long-term disability insurance.
- 401k Retirement Plan including company match (up to 6%)
- Tuition Reimbursement and Student Loan Reimbursement Benefit
- Department of Education’s Loan Forgiveness Program
- Employee Assistance Program
- Engaging Wellness Program
- Referral Bonus Program
- Licensure renewal reimbursement; paid training and professional development opportunities
- Ability to obtain internal supervision towards increased licensure.
- Paid assistance with obtaining Trauma-Informed Care certification.
- Casual dress
Join a winning organization with a great culture and work environment and have a rewarding career that impacts the lives of youth and families! Find all open positions at www.lys.org/careers
Salary : $17
