Certified Peer Partner (Youth Partner)

Koinonia Family Services is seeking an empathetic and motivated individual for the role of Certified Peer/Youth Partner in our mental health program in Temecula, CA. This part-time position is perfect for former foster youths who have firsthand experience with the child welfare system. Your role will be to provide support and guidance to current youth in the system, offering them the benefit of your experiences and knowledge. You will provide guidance, assistance, and advocacy to empower youth and promote their overall well-being.

Required Certification: Certification as a Peer/Youth Partner through the Riverside University Health System (RUHS) Peer Certification Training Program is preferred. Completion of the 80-hour Peer Certification Training through the California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA) is also preferred. However, candidates who are not yet certified but are willing and able to complete the required training and certification within a reasonable period after hire will be considered.

Opportunity Highlights:

• A great chance to support and mentor youth through their mental health and therapeutic journey.
• Hourly pay rate:
• • $18.00 to $19.00 per hour, entry level / not yet certified.
  • $20.00 to $22.00 per hour, already certified as RUHS/CalMHSA Youth/Peer Partner and depending upon experience.
• Flexible hours and schedule.
• Benefits include paid time off (PTO) and participation in our 401k plan.
• Paid holidays when your schedule is 15+ hours a week.
• Enhance your knowledge and skills by working alongside a team of professionals who provide support and services to families.
• Benefit from professional training and development opportunities.
• Mileage reimbursement is included for business miles driven.

This is a part-time position. The schedule is about 5-10 hours per week, with some occasional evening and weekend hours. The scheduled hours may increase up to 20 hours per week as families are referred for services.

Key Responsibilities:

The Youth Partner duties and responsibilities include:

• Mentor and serve as a role model for young people.
• Provide guidance, advice, and support to youth.
• Advocate for the needs and rights of young people.
• Assist in accessing resources and services.
• Promote mental health and mental wellness with the youth.
• Develop personalized plans and goals with youth.
• Intervene during crises or emergencies.
• Connect youth with community resources and opportunities.
• Maintain accurate documentation and reporting.
• Collaborate with other professionals and organizations.
• Engage in continuous professional development.
• Evaluate and monitor program effectiveness.
• Complete required initial training, including Youth Partner training through Riverside University Health System (RUHS) and 80 hours of Peer Certification Training through CalMHSA, as required for peer support staff.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will have:

• Certification by Riverside University Health System (RUHS) as a Peer/Youth Partner.
• Lived experience in the child welfare system.
• Sufficient progress in their own personal journey to positively contribute to the journeys of others.
• A strong desire to help youth achieve successful outcomes.
• Ability and maturity to provide guidance, support, and mentorship to young people.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, writing, and active listening skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• A high degree of integrity and respect for confidentiality.
• A flexible schedule to meet program needs.
• Ability to travel and drive up to one hour from the primary job site as needed.

Join Our Team:

At Koinonia Family Services, we are committed to creating a supportive, mission-driven workplace where employees feel valued and connected to the work they do. In our recent employee climate survey, 98% of staff reported strong teamwork with their coworkers, and 97% said their supervisors treat them with respect. Employees also reported a strong connection to our mission and a clear understanding of how their work contributes to helping children and families.

Our staff consistently report that they are treated with dignity and respect and feel supported by their teams and supervisors. As a trauma-informed organization, we emphasize collaboration, professional support, and a person-centered approach to care. If you are looking for meaningful work with a team that cares deeply about each other and the youth and families we serve, we invite you to join us in bringing hope and healing to children, youth and families.

Important Note:

Qualified candidates must complete a criminal background clearance through the California Department of Justice and FBI to ensure eligibility for employment, as well as a pre-employment physical and TB test. This position requires a valid driver’s license, auto insurance and reliable transportation as driving is an essential job function.

This position requires a valid driver’s license, auto insurance and reliable transportation as driving is an essential job function. Youth Partners are responsible for tasks such as visiting client homes, transporting youth, engaging with community partners, often in locations not easily accessible by alternative transportation methods. The nature of these responsibilities necessitates the ability to drive to ensure timely, reliable, confidential and effective support for the youth and families we serve. Koinonia Family Services is an equal-opportunity employer.