Youth Certified Peer Specialist (CPS-Y)

Positive Growth is seeking a part-time Youth Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPS-Y) to join our Breakthrough program. Our Breakthrough Program serves individuals aged 16-30 who have experienced their first episode of psychosis within the past two years. The Youth CPS, someone with lived experience of psychosis, will provide peer support and counseling to individuals aged 15-20 years of age. As a vital member of our team, the Youth Peer Specialist plays a key role in offering support, guidance, and advocacy, helping clients navigate their recovery journey.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide peer counseling and support to individuals experiencing their first episode of psychosis, using lived experience to offer hope, inspiration, and guidance.
• Promote self-determination by modeling personal responsibility and self-advocacy, and encouraging the enhancement of recovery.
• Work collaboratively with the treatment team to ensure comprehensive care and support, creating opportunities for clinicians to provide case management.
• Attend team meetings and advocate for clients' needs, ensuring they receive the necessary services, support, and resources.
• Build rapport and trust with clients by utilizing personal experience with first-episode psychosis and recovery.
• Offer emotional support, encouragement, and hope to individuals navigating their own experiences with psychosis.
• Advocate for clients' needs, preferences, and goals within the treatment team, assisting clients in developing personalized recovery plans.
• Collaborate with clients to identify strengths, interests, and areas of growth.
• Provide practical guidance on coping strategies, symptom management, and daily living skills.
• Share resources and information about mental health services, community support, and self-help strategies.
• Contribute insights to enhance the clinical team's understanding of clients' experiences.
• Share personal recovery stories to inspire and educate others about the possibilities of recovery, acting as a role model for clients.
• Support clients' goals through education and self-advocacy training.
• Adhere to documentation standards and procedures as required by the organization.

Qualifications:

• Certified Peer Specialist: Certification as a peer specialist or equivalent, indicating personal experience with early psychosis.
• Personal lived experience with a first episode of psychosis and a strong commitment to ongoing recovery.
• Experience working with individuals experiencing psychosis or severe mental illness, preferably in an early intervention setting.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Basic understanding of mental health services, treatment approaches, and community resources.
• Ability to work sensitively with diverse people and communities, with empathy, patience, and a non-judgmental attitude toward clients and their families.
• Knowledge and experience collaborating with community resources.
• Ability to build rapport with clients, engage them in case management, and foster relationships with partner agencies.
• Ability to maintain a calm demeanor in potentially high-stress situations.
• Basic computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Computer proficiency is required to use Electronic Health Records.
• A valid driver’s license is required.