Youth Peer Specialist
This position is located in Dothan, Alabama.
Shift Schedule is: Monday/Wednesday 10:30am - 6:30pm; Tuesday/Thursday 11am - 7:00pm; Friday 9am - 5pm.
Hours must be flexible to meet the needs of families.
This position could occasionally include Saturday work.
The Youth Peer Specialist (YPS) supports young adults, ages 16 - 21, by sharing their own lived experience of mental health/addictions with young adults to foster hope, build resiliency, and develop self-advocacy skills that will empower them to reach their goals. YPS will be expected to work with our clinical team to address the critical domains of functioning for youth/young adults, to include but not limited to working, learning, belonging, living, and healing through a strengths-based individualized team process. Travel may be required.
PRIMARY JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Utilizing lived experience, the youth peer support specialist will
- Provide peer support to young adults ages 16 – 21 years of age by sharing their own experiences and building trusting relationships.
- Offer support and guidance to young adults as they receive services and support from our organization.
- Foster hope and approach young adults’ skills from a strengths-based perspective.
- Coordinate outreach and youth engagement efforts in the community.
- Practice culturally responsive communication and interaction with young adults and their families and/or natural supports.
- Act as a resource and safe person for young adults to approach with questions, concerns, and accomplishments.
- Teach and role model the value of every individual’s recovery experience
- Model effective coping techniques and self-help strategies.
- Assist clients in developing empowerment skills and combating stigma through self- advocacy. Utilize regular meetings, individual, and/or group sessions.
- Articulate with patients what has been helpful and what not been helpful in his/her own recovery process.
- Identify beliefs and values a consumer holds that works against his/her recovery.
- Discern when and how much of their lived experience to share with patients.
- Using a formal goal setting process, the youth peer support specialist will:
- Assist patients in articulating personal goals for recovery through the use of one-to one and group sessions. Support clients in identifying and creating goals and developing recovery plans with the skills, strengths, supports and resources to aid them in achieving those goals.
- Plan and research for small groups and interest activities.
- Facilitate small groups focusing on topics related to recovery: Coping Techniques, Health Teaching, Spirituality, and Social Interaction.
- Assist young adults in working with treatment team in determining the steps he/she needs to take in order to achieve these goals.
- Participate in one-on-one relationship building with youth / young adults. Activities could be done in the community.
- Maintain proper documentation in a timely manner as required by SpectraCare and Alabama Department of Mental Health policies. Complete daily notes and regular documentation as required by SpectraCare guidelines.
- Participate in meetings with supervisor to discuss ideas, difficulties, suggestions and expectations. Facilitate understanding between client and clinician.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- High School Diploma or GED required.
- Must have lived experience with a mental illness or child welfare services and/or systems.
- Must become certified as a Certified Peer Specialist by completing DMH-approved training(s).
- Must understand and endorse a recovery-oriented approach to providing services.
- Possess a valid Driver License with good MVR and reliable transportation
- Must meet insurability requirements to drive a system vehicle (21 years of age).
- Ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
- Excellent written and spoken communication skills.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in a mental illness or related field.
- Previously completed Certified Youth Peer Specialist training and exam with ADMH.
BENEFITS INCLUDE:
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama Health and Dental Insurance
Alabama State Retirement
Paid Holidays
Paid Time Off- Sick time and annual leave
Company paid life insurance
AD&D and dependent life insurance