Youth Support Specialist

Woodfords Family Services is seeking an empathetic, motivated, and recovery-oriented Youth Support Specialist to join our Behavioral Health Home team. This is an exciting opportunity for a young adult with lived experience in mental health recovery to make a meaningful difference in the lives of youth and families across Maine. If you are passionate about supporting others, building authentic connections, and helping youth feel empowered in their recovery journey, we encourage you to apply.

This is a full-time, hourly position offering a comprehensive and competitive benefits package.

Position Summary

The Youth Support Specialist plays a vital role in providing peer-based support services to youth receiving Behavioral Health Home (BHH) Services. This position uses lived experience with mental health to build trust, encourage recovery, and help youth develop coping skills, self-advocacy, and confidence. Working collaboratively with the clinical team, families, and community resources, the Youth Support Specialist supports youth in achieving their recovery goals while promoting engagement, empowerment, and overall wellness. This is a unique opportunity to bring your voice, perspective, and personal recovery experience into a professional role that helps young people feel seen, supported, and connected.

Key Responsibilities

• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings as part of the Behavioral Health Home care team.
• Support implementation of each member's Plan of Care (POC) as assigned by the Clinical Team Leader.
• Provide peer-based guidance, encouragement, mentorship, and one-to-one support to youth members.
• Communicate regularly with youth, families, and care team members to support continuity of care and engagement.
• Assist youth in building recovery skills, self-advocacy, coping strategies, and community connections.
• Support member participation in behavioral health and wellness goals through strengths-based and recovery-oriented approaches.
• Maintain prompt and regular communication with families served.
• Identify and report any suspected or observed abuse and/or neglect of a child.
• Maintain paperwork compliance and achieve satisfactory results through agency quality assurance reviews.

Opportunity Details

• Full-time, hourly position
• Hybrid-eligible after the introductory period and upon approval of a set schedule

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required

• Must be between the ages of 18 and 30, as required by MaineCare Benefit Manual Section 92

• Must have personal lived experience with a mental health diagnosis and recovery and be willing to appropriately self-disclose in support of youth engagement and recovery

• Experience working with youth or young adults in behavioral health or peer support settings preferred

• Knowledge of recovery-oriented and strengths-based approaches required

• Ability to relate to and build trust with youth from diverse backgrounds required

• Strong communication, listening, and empathy skills required

• Basic computer and documentation skills required

• Valid driver's license with a safe driving history required

Comprehensive Benefits Package

In addition to joining an inclusive and positive work culture that values your experience, perspective, and professional growth, full-time employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive Health Insurance (with multiple plan options!)
• Dental & Vision Insurance
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Sick Time
• 10 Paid Holidays
• 1 Paid Floating Holiday
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with 5% Agency Match
• Gym/Fitness membership reimbursement
• Employer-Paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Employer-Paid Group Term Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Plan (EAP Benefits)
• Voluntary Supplemental Benefits
• Exclusive Verizon Discount to Woodfords Family Services employees
• Woodfords Family Services is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program

Who We Are

Woodfords Family Services is a nonprofit organization that's been committed to the support and inclusion of people with special needs and their families in Maine communities for over 55 years. Today, the organization provides a wide array of clinical, educational, behavioral health, residential, community, and family support programs to more than 2,000 children, youth, and adults with autism, developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and/or mental health diagnoses throughout the state. Woodfords is also accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA), reflecting our commitment to quality, accountability, and the delivery of the highest standard of care.