Social Services –Peer Support Specialist
We are seeking one full-time Youth Peer Support Specialists. The Youth Peer Support Specialist (YPSS) will act as a support and resource for youth and young adults (YYA), ages middle school through 25, receiving services in the behavioral health system. The YPSS will act as a key member of the treatment team by working with YYA one-on-one or in a group, in accordance with the goals in the youth’s plan of service through shared activities and interventions.
Youth Peer Supports Specialists promote hope and acceptance by sharing their lived experience to reduce stigma and increase youth voice and ownership in services. This position will support empowerment by assisting YYA in developing skills to improve their overall functioning and quality of life while working collaboratively with other service team members involved in delivering the youth’s care. This position is funded through Medicaid.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we are providing as many services as possible through Telehealth. Many employees are able to work from home during this time. For employees who do need to work on-site or see individuals in person, we provide Personal Protection Equipment to our employees and thorough safety and cleaning protocols are in place. Job interviews are being conducted via the internet.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Ages 18-26 years old
- High School diploma or general education degree (GED)
- Willing and able to self-identify as a person who has or is receiving mental health services, currently in stable recovery, and is prepared to use that experience in helping others
- Knowledge and skills sufficient for establishing effective relationships with YYA who have a Serious Emotional Disturbance, their families, and team members
- Knowledge about mental illness and behavioral health issues, treatment and crisis planning
- Knowledge of public and private child-serving organizations
- Valid Michigan driver’s license and reliable transportation for travel in the community
- Computer skills, including word processing, spreadsheets, email, and data entry skills
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
- Excellent problem-solving skills
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Certification as Youth Peer Support Specialist
- Experience receiving services as a youth in complex, child-serving systems – Community Mental Health, substance abuse treatment, juvenile justice, special education, foster care, Children’s Protective Services, etc.
- Experience leading and/or coordinating services for youth
- Knowledge about substance use disorders and recovery
- Familiar with community and mental health resources for YYA in Kent County
- Familiar with community and mental health resources for adults in Kent County
We are committed to attracting a diverse and talented work force to meet the needs of our diverse community. Network180 offers an attractive benefit package including health, dental, vision, retirement plan, life insurance, and short and long-term disability.
For a detailed job description, responsibilities and information on how to apply directly through our website, please visit www.network180.org.
Network180 is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Network180 participates in E-Verify.