Lead Peer Support Specialist

LEAD PEER SUPPORT SERVICE SPECIALIST:    

Under the direct supervision of the Program Manager.  The Lead Certified Peer Support Specialist will play a crucial role in providing guidance, support, and leadership to peer support workers.  This position will require experience, expertise, and compassion for fostering a positive and effective peer support environment. The lead will work closely with an identified team to enhance the quality of support provided to individuals dealing with mental health challenges or substance use disorders, using the Peer Support Workers lived experience to inspire hope and recovery.  Peer support services are delivered by individuals who have common life experience with the people they are serving (retrieved from: SAMHSA.org).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Must be at least 18 years of age and older.

• Certification in Peer Support Services in New Mexico.

• High School diploma or equivalent, and three (3) years of relevant experience working with youth and/or at-risk individuals; or any combination of education and relevant experience equal to three (3) years, and one (1) year supervisory experience.

• Lived experience with one (1) or more of the following: cycles of homelessness, substance use, mental health concerns, violence, justice system involvement, incarceration that includes but is not limited to justice system involvement, returning citizens, formerly group and gang-involved individuals.

• Successful completion of all required training for this position.

• Knowledge of mental health and substance use community resources.

• Broad knowledge and experience in working with individuals in recovery.

• No convictions for domestic violence, sexual offenses, or other serious crimes against persons.

• Ability to establish effective working relationships with YDI staff and other agencies.

• Extensive knowledge of community resources and ability to work efficiently with public and private agency professionals.

• Broad knowledge of assessment, service planning and service coordination when working with adolescents and families.

• Bilingual proficiency preferred.

JOB CHARACTERISTICS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This professional role demands strong organizational and communication skills, as well as sound judgment, tact, and diplomacy in contacts with YDI employees, community residents, parents, and local government agencies.  Strict adherence is required to all confidentiality regulations.

Good general health is essential, and a physical examination will be required after a signed offer of employment. A background investigation including fingerprinting is mandatory and may be required intermittently.  Frequent travel is expected, and proof of satisfactory car insurance is required.

Non-traditional hours are required.

This position with Youth Development, Inc. is at -will employment. Employment is contingent upon mutual consent between the company and the employee, and either party may terminate the relationship at any time with or without cause or advance notice.  The availability of funding does not guarantee continued employment, nor does it imply any specific term of employment.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES (Not Inclusive):

• Coordinate all services in collaboration with the Program Manager.

• Respond promptly to all assigned cases within specified timeframes.

• Maintain a flexible, non-traditional schedule to meet the needs of the target population.

• Provide assertive outreach throughout Bernalillo County.

• Deliver trauma recovery curriculum in group settings to help clients identify and address areas of trauma.

• Develop and implement plans to aid and support individuals in crisis.

• Assist assigned clients in connecting with long-term community support services to enhance recovery and resiliency skills.

• Collaborate with YDI programs and community partners to ensure appropriate services for referred clients.

• Coordinate access to medical, social, education, vocational, legal, and therapeutic services for clients.

• Accept referrals from community-based agencies, law enforcement, schools, crisis response teams and appropriate entities throughout Bernalillo County.

• Implement the service plan for each client that outlines the proposed plan of care.

• Develop, monitor, and continually evaluate service plans for clients and maintain client files. 

• Provide advocacy and referral services on behalf of clients.

• Offer and provide family support services to identified secondary clients.

• Generate all required reports as outlined in the Scope of Work.

• Assist in capturing and inputting all required data into the agency’s electronic data system.

• Participate in Quality Service Reviews (QSRs) per program requirements.

• Comply with established Quality Assurance protocols.

• Engage in individual and group supervision.

• Maintain a caseload as defined by the Program Manager.

• Provide supervision and team leadership under the program manager’s guidance.

• Collaborate with the program manager on program planning and delivery, offering program consultation as needed.

• Coordinate and lead teams on outreach efforts.

• Assist in training and developing peer support workers.

• Attend and lead team meetings.

• Assist with monthly reporting, data entry, and compliance with files.

• Perform other duties as assigned.