Youth Peer Support and Respite Provider

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 youths and familys 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 Educations 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