Peer Support Specialist II

PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST II:

Under the direct supervision of the Program Manager. Peer support services are delivered by individuals who have common life experiences with the people they are serving (retrieved from: SAMHSA.org.). Will organize and coordinate an array of services for clients referred to the program.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be at least 18 years of age and older.
• High School diploma or equivalency.
• Must have lived experience with various cycles of violence, the criminal justice system, incarceration that includes but is not limited to involvement in recidivism or former groups and gang persons.
• Three (3) years’ experience working with youth preferred.
• Bilingual preferred.
• Must successfully complete all required training for this position.
• Must successfully pass a certification exam for Peer Support Services within a specific timeframe.
• Knowledge of mental health and substance use community resources.
• Broad knowledge and experience in working with individuals in recovery.
• Must have no convictions for domestic violence, sexual offenses, or other serious crimes against persons.
• Must establish an effective working relationship with YDI staff and other agencies.
• Extensive knowledge of community resources and ability to work efficiently with public and private agency professionals.
• Broad knowledge of assessment, service planning and service coordination in working with adolescents and families.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES (Not Inclusive):

• Will coordinate all program services with the Program Manager.
• Will respond to all referrals and assigned cases within the time frames specified in the contract.
• Will work a flexible, non-traditional schedule to meet the needs of the target population.
• Will provide assertive outreach throughout the service area in accordance with the schedule established by the program.
• Will provide client-centered case management and community health-oriented navigation to address the social determinants of health.

• Will provide trauma recovery or other required curriculum in individual and/or group settings for participants to identify and address all areas of trauma or increase skills.

• Will work together with the assigned client(s) to develop socialization and recreational skills.

• Will develop a safety crisis plan to provide aid and comfort to a person in crisis.

· Will work with assigned clients to help them in developing recovery and resiliency skills.

• Will work collaboratively with YDI programs and community partners to ensure appropriate services are attained for all referred clients.
• Will coordinate access to services for clients in the areas of medical, social, educational, vocational, legal, and therapeutic care.
• Will accept referrals from community-based agencies, law enforcement, schools, crisis response teams and all appropriate entities throughout the service area.
• Will implement the service plan for each client which will outline the proposed plan of care.
• Will monitor and evaluate the provision of client services on an ongoing basis to achieve required program outcomes.
• Will provide advocacy and referral services on behalf of clients.
• Will provide family support services to identified secondary clients.
• Will maintain the client file per requirements established by funding entity or agency.
• Will provide all required reports as required by Program Manager as outlined in the Scope of Work.
• Will capture all required data and input data into the agency or other required electronic data system.
• Will cooperate with all established Quality Assurance protocols.
• Will participate in individual and group supervision.
• Will engage in a minimum of 24 hours of professional development training per year.
• Will complete the Peer Support Worker training and receive certification within 6 months of hire.
• Other duties as assigned.

JOB CHARACTERISTICS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This is a professional position, which requires organizational and communication skills, as well as judgment, tact, and diplomacy in contacts with YDI employees, community residents, parents, and local government agencies. Strict adherence is required to all regulations concerning confidentiality.

Good general health.

Background investigation to include fingerprinting will be required.

Physical is required upon hire and may be required intermittently.

Frequent travel is required by employees and proof of satisfactory car insurance is required.

Must be able to perform essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

Non-traditional hours required.

Youth Development, Inc. is an at-will employer. Employment is by mutual consent of the company and employee, and either may terminate the relationship at any time with or without cause or advance notice. This job is contingent upon funding; however, availability of funding is not a guarantee of continued employment, nor does it imply any specific term of employment.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Under the direct supervision of the Program Manager.