Youth Peer Support Specialist

GENERAL PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES/POSITION STATEMENT:
The PSS provides peer support services in accordance with the Peer Connect curriculum across all settings preferred by the youth including agency offices, youth's homes, and community-based settings.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
1. Attend Peer Connect training to become Maine Peer Connect certified within the timeline
set by the agency, in addition to annually attending Peer Connect Learning Collaborative
components to maintain Maine certification and all additional agency training.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the core competencies established by the Federal
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
3. Provide one-on-one peer support services to youth utilizing the Peer Connect curriculum,
allowing the youth to select the location and setting in which they are most comfortable.
4. Travel to various areas across the region to deliver one-on-one peer support services to
youth, including the most rural areas.
5. Link youth with resources as needed, including assisting youth with referrals and in
accessing services as requested by the youth.
6. Maintain office hours during times of peer support drop-in hours as scheduled in various
office locations across the region.
7. Work as a member of the YPSSN team in facilitating workshops and coordinating
speakers/educational opportunities.
8. Upon case assignment, attempt first contact by the end of business day, documenting all
attempted contact efforts within 24 hours.
9. Document all one-on-one contacts with youth within 24 hours.
10. Document all YPSSN activities including, but not limited to, groups, workshops, and
educational activities on the tracking tool.
11. Assist as needed in disseminating youth surveys upon request.
12. Participate in agency meetings as requested, including individual and group supervisions.
13. Support youth in pursuing their educational/vocational goals, including linking them with
an MV Liaison and/or employment assistance agency as appropriate.
14. Other tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND CERTIFICATES
Peer Support Specialists must be between the ages of 18-26 and must be an individual who is receiving, or has received, services related to the diagnosis of a mental health disorder that has seriously impacted their life and relationships for an extended period of time, is in recovery, and is willing to self-disclose on this basis.

Must currently have, or obtain within 12 months of hire, a valid State of Maine Driver's license and a registered, insured vehicle.

Must be able to pass background checks including DMV, CPS, APS, and Criminal checks.