Youth Peer Support Specialist
RIVER VALLEY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
Summary
RiverValley provides targeted case management for children and teens ages 3-18 who have been diagnosed with a severe emotional disability. These services are provided to assist the child in receiving the medical, educational, and social support services they need to develop self-sufficiency and promote independence.
Job description
The Youth Peer Support Specialist for TAY uses relevant personal experiences to serve as a role model for the youth. They ensure Youth's voices and choices are heard and help drive the TAY model of care. This person will themselves have received state-funded services from at least one child-serving agency and will demonstrate leadership and advocacy abilities in the field of behavioral health.
Essential Functions
- Provides support to youth through sharing lived experiences in accessing mental health/behavioral health supports.
- Uses lived experiences to teach through experience and serves as an appropriate role model for youth.
- Supports and guides youth in understanding youth culture, developing self-advocacy measures, and developing relationships with community partners in order to eventually advocate for themselves and access services more fully.
- Maintains up to date knowledge of youth-related mental and behavioral health issues.
- Maintains timely completion of required trainings, supervisions, meeting attendance, etc., at state and organizational levels.
- Meets requirements of being a transition aged youth or young adult, between 21 or older, but can continue providing services as a Youth Peer Support Specialist until the age of 35.
- Maintains, in a comprehensive manner, all required documentation pertinent to role, in written and/or Avatar formats.
- Fosters collaborative working relationships among members of the leadership and management teams and programs.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications: Education and Experience
- High School diploma or GED.
- Meets the criteria as a youth having lived with an emotional, social, behavioral, and/or substance use disability.
- Must be between the ages of 21-35.
- Must have completed a short essay discussing experience of having received state-funded services from at least one child-serving agency.
- MANDT: Yes - Valid Driver's License: Yes - CPR/First Aid: Yes - Reliable Transportation.
Knowledge and Skills
- Demonstrates experience with leadership and advocacy in the behavioral health field, both with individuals and groups.
- Demonstrates effort at self-directed leadership development.
- Good communication skills, both oral and written.
- Demonstrates relevant knowledge of pertinent community partners.
- Ability to make appropriate decisions and manage conflict.
- Ability to model appropriate behaviors for youth accessing services.
Requirements
- High School diploma or GED
- Lived experience with emotional, social, behavioral, and/or substance use disability
- Must be between ages 21-35
- Completed short essay about receiving state-funded services from a child-serving agency
- Valid Driver's License
- Reliable Transportation
- MANDT certification
- CPR/First Aid certification
- Experience with leadership and advocacy in behavioral health
- Good oral and written communication skills
- Knowledge of community partners
- Ability to make decisions and manage conflict
- Ability to model appropriate behaviors for youth
Benefits
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Telehealth
- Paid Time Off
- Paid Holidays
- Retirement Plan
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Free CEUs
- Clinical Supervision
- Wellness Programs
- Employee Assistance Programs
- Mileage Reimbursement
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Company overview
River Valley Behavioral Health is a comprehensive mental health care provider specializing in behavioral health services for individuals and communities. As a healthcare provider organization, it focuses on delivering evidence-based treatment and support services for mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and developmental disabilities. The organization typically offers a range of services including outpatient counseling, crisis intervention, psychiatric care, addiction treatment, and community-based support programs. River Valley Behavioral Health serves as a critical resource in its region, providing accessible mental health care to diverse populations through integrated treatment approaches. The organization emphasizes person-centered care, recovery-oriented services, and community partnerships to address the complex needs of individuals facing behavioral health challenges. With a commitment to improving mental wellness and quality of life, River Valley Behavioral Health plays an essential role in the healthcare ecosystem by bridging gaps in mental health services and promoting holistic well-being for the communities it serves.