Youth Peer Support Specialist at Waypoint Maine in Sanford, ME

Youth Peer Support Specialist

As an integral member of our Children’s Behavioral Health Home/Care Coordination program, the YPSS is someone between the ages of 18-30, who is receiving or has received services and supports related to the diagnosis of a behavioral health condition, is in recovery from that condition, and who is willing to self-identify on this basis with members receiving services in our Children’s BHH program. With personal lived experience, you understand both the challenges and benefits of seeking help when you need it most. The goal is to foster positive relationships and build upon youth strengths in order to instill hope for the future.

The ideal candidate will possess the ability to connect with youth while maintaining appropriate boundaries, be well organized and demonstrate strong communication skills both 1:1 and within a team. The YPSS would represent the youth voice when collaborating with the Children’s Behavioral Health Home (BHH) team. The YPSS attends team meetings, accepts responsibility for relevant components of the child’s Plan of Care, communicates regularly with the member, and provides individualized support when initiated by the youth.

Job Title: Youth Peer Support Specialist Program: Children’s BHH

Salary/Hourly Status: Hourly FLSA Classification: Non-exempt

Schedule: 30 hr/wk, including evenings as required to meet client needs

Reports to: Children’s BHH Supervisor

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Company Overview

Waypoint offers comprehensive services, including a special purpose private school for children with autism and other developmental disabilities, case management and outpatient therapy services for children and adults, and residential and in-home supports for adults with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities.

Position Overview

The Youth Peer Support Specialist provides peer-based support to youth enrolled in the Children’s Behavioral Health Home (BHH) program. The Youth Peer Support Specialist (YPS) is an individual who is between 18 and 30 years of age who is receiving or has received services and supports related to the diagnosis of a behavioral health condition, is in recovery from that condition, and who is willing to self-identify on this basis with members receiving Waypoint’s BHH services. The YPS engages in team meetings, accepts responsibility for parts of the Plan of Care, and provides individualized support when initiated by the member/team/Plan of Care. The YPS engages youth in recovery-oriented, strength-based services that promote self-advocacy, wellness, and successful coordination of care. This role is an integral member of the BHH multidisciplinary team and supports youth in achieving their individualized goals.

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Responsibilities

Essential Duties

• Build trusting, supportive relationships with youth enrolled in the BHH program through the intentional use of lived experience and recovery principles.

• Assist youth and BHH team in implementing the Plan of Care.

• Provide one-to-one youth peer support focused on hope, empowerment, resilience, and self-determination to clients identified as needing YPS by the care team/BHH team.

• Coordinate and facilitate youth peer support groups and activities.

• Participate as a member of the BHH multidisciplinary team and contribute peer perspective to care planning and service delivery.

• Possess knowledge of developmental disabilities and mental health diagnosis and seek support regarding clinical questions from supervisor.

• Maintain prompt and regular communication with all youth served.

• Assist youth in preparing for and participating in team meetings and health/care appointments.

• Support youth in developing self-advocacy, communication, and decision-making skills.

• Assist youth in identifying and connecting with community and natural supports.

• Complete required documentation in accordance with BHH standards and agency policies.

• Maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and MaineCare requirements.

• Perform other duties as assigned to meet the needs of the organization.

• Fulfill all obligations as a Mandated Reporter under Maine Law, including timely reporting of suspected member or child abuse or neglect, according to the policies and procedures of Waypoint Maine, Inc.

Requirements

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

· Proven ability to produce accurate, reliable, and timely work products.

· Demonstrated computer proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Outlook 365) and have strong computer skills and ability to learn new systems with ease.

· Self-starter, able to work independently and seek supervision proactively.

· Flexible, approachable and able to work collaboratively with the team.

· Excellent communication skills with the ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.

· Knowledge and understanding of MaineCare section 92 Children’s Behavioral Health Home and the requirements of the Youth Peer Support Specialist role.

Education/Experience

· Minimum of High School Diploma or Equivalent is required.

· Must be between the ages of 18-30 years old per DHHS’ MaineCare policy.

· Must be an individual who is receiving or has received services and supports related to the diagnosis of a behavioral health condition, and who is willing to self-identify on this basis with members.

· Must have a reliable vehicle with proper insurance, current registration, and a valid driver’s license/clean driving record from state of residence.

· Obtain and maintain certification as a Maine Youth Peer Support Specialist according to requirements as defined by DHHS. Provisional certification must be completed within 9 months of date of hire. Full certification must be obtained within 12 months of date of hire.

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

· This position works out of the office setting and also within community settings including private client homes. Must be able to walk over a variety of surfaces and enter a variety of client homes and non-accessible community locations. Excellent verbal and written skills in English for effective communication to convey detailed and important information to clients, providers, and other stakeholders. Ability to hear at normal speaking levels to receive detailed information through oral communication. Must have close visual acuity to perform activities such as driving, preparing reports, viewing a computer terminal, and extensive reading.

Pay Rate: $22-$27/hour

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance