Youth Peer Support Specialist – Integrated - Lewiston

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.

Job Code: 13054

Location:

Lewiston 04240

Department:
Other

FT/PT Status:
Full Time

SUMMARY:

This position is integrated with Sweetser's Lewiston BHH team. Applies the tools developed in his or her own recovery as well as the philosophy and values of Youth Peer Support to build a connection, consider world view, maintain mutuality, and move toward a new way of being within the new relationship being built with the individual. The Youth Peer Support Specialist – Integrated will collaborate, coach, and challenge youth under 21 years of age in viewing life’s challenges as an opportunity for growth and change within each individual’s recovery process.

The role requires someone between 18-26 years of age with significant experience with recovery from mental health challenges, substance use disorder, and/or life- interrupting trauma.

• Fully understands and actively implements the Peer Connect Training Model.
• Models relationship building, based on the Peer Connect Training Model with participants, volunteers, and colleagues.
• Facilitates peer support groups as needed 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:
  • Youth receiving services at Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC)
  • Child Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)
  • Child Behavioral Health Home (BHH)
  • Mobile Crisis Team
• Follows best practices and guidelines established for each program.

• Be committed to the mission, vision, and values of the organization.
• Work collaboratively as a member of a team with various groups of staff, depending on the issue addressed.
• Assure quality in work performed to facilitate the delivery of quality services.
• Report accidents and injuries promptly, demonstrate safe housekeeping practices, notify supervisor of potential health and safety concerns immediately, participate in health and safety training as required, and understand and follow all Sweetser health and safety policies.
• Understand and comply with all Sweetser policies and procedures.
• Actively participate in ongoing supervision and team meetings.
• Provide timely and accurate paperwork, including timesheets and expense reports.
• Actively engage the assigned manager whenever you have questions or concerns.
• Provide the assigned manager with updated information regarding your availability.
• Ability to support and recognize the important role that volunteers play;
  Sweetser employees work with, support, collaborate with volunteers, and promote opportunities for volunteer engagement.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

• High School diploma or equivalent.

• Peer Connect Training completed within 9 months of hire.
• 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; and
  • 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.
• Staff must maintain a valid state driver’s license, reliable transportation and adequate insurance.

• 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.

• 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.