Becoming part of the Sweetser family means you can make a difference in the lives of Maine children, adults, and families every day. As a nationally recognized and accredited leader, we offer competitive salaries, a wide range of benefits and the opportunity to join a passionate team of more than 700 employees.
The Youth Peer Support Specialist - Integrated will apply the tools developed in their own recovery as well as the philosophy and values of Youth Peer Support to build a connection, consider world view, maintain mutuality, and move towards a new way of being within the new relationship being built with the individual. This role collaborates, coaches, and challenges transitional aged youth up to 25 years of age in viewing life’s challenges as an opportunity for growth and change within each individual’s recovery process.
The role of Youth Peer Support Specialist requires someone between 18-26 years of age and significant experience with recovery from mental health challenges, substance use disorder, and/or life interrupting trauma.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Fully understands and is able to actively implement the Peer Connect Training Model.
- Models relationship building based on the Peer Connect Training Model with participants, volunteers, and colleagues.
- Facilitates peer support groups on an as-needed basis to build community and connection among youth participants.
- Understands and actively implements the Eight Dimensions of Wellness as described by SAMHSA.
- Models the attributes of respect, trust, sensitivity, and confidentiality.
- Supports and models healthy relationships.
- Schedules will vary according to program needs.
- Follows best practices and guidelines established for each program.
EDUCATION:
- High School diploma or equivalent.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED:
- Peer Connect Training completed within 9 months of hire.
- Must maintain a valid state driver’s license, reliable transportation, and adequate insurance.
- State of Maine Certified Intentional Peer Support Specialist (CIPSS) Certification; or:
- Complete the CIPSS pre-training within the first thirty (30) calendar days of hire.
- Attend monthly co-reflections within sixty (60) calendar days of hire.
- Attend CIPSS 101 and apply for the next available Core Training within ninety (90) calendar days of hire.
- Meet the annual State of Maine requirements to maintain CIPSS Certification.
EXPERIENCE:
- Knowledge gained by lived experience with the process of recovery from trauma, serious mental illness, and/or co-occurring Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and is willing to self-identify with peers on this basis in the community.
- Paid or unpaid peer support experience preferred.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
- Demonstrates knowledge of personal recovery.
- Ability to be emotionally present and competent; recognize when you are not, seek support, and communicate this to the assigned manager.
- Ability to work with diverse populations and accept differences in perspective and values.
- Intermediate computer skills including the expectation of utilizing Electronic Health Record software.
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