Youth Support Specialist

The Youth Support Specialist (YSS) will work to ensure that well-coordinated and integrated care is delivered to youth (ages 14 – 26) served. The YSS will provide support to youth and young adults struggling with serious emotional disturbances and/or serious mental illness, including those with substance use issues. A willingness to share lived experiences in a way that fosters a supportive and healthy peer relationship.

This position must be able to work flexible hours, which may include weekends, evenings, and holidays. Because the YSS will occasionally drive to a client’s home in order to provide services, proof of vehicle insurance at $50K/$100K and a valid Maine driver’s license are required.

Duties include and are not limited to:

• Providing individual and group peer support including education and outreach
• Networking with current programs and advocating for new opportunities for clients in community supports, programs, and activities of their choice
• Assisting clients with understanding their experience through shared common experience as peers
• Supporting youth in meeting their life, wellness and/or recovery goals
• Attending all Agency required trainings and meetings
• Understanding and following Agency and department policies and procedures
• Completing and submitting accurate and timely incident reports
• Maintaining strict confidentiality of all client-related information
• Participating in required and elective staff development activities in accordance with the individual staff development plan
• Consistently adhering to Federal, State, and local statutes and regulations
• Following all mandated reporting laws

Position Requirements:

• Proof of vehicle insurance at $50K/$100K and a valid Maine drivers license are required
• Must be between the ages of 18-26 years old who is receiving or has received services and supports related to the diagnosis of a mental illness, is in recovery from that illness, and who is willing to self-identify on this basis with members receiving services.
• High school diploma or equivalent 
• Maine Peer Connect Youth Peer Support Certification within 9 months of hire
• Must have lived experience in mental health related challenges and be willing to openly discuss and share this information with others in a therapeutic way

Benefits:

• Mileage reimbursement
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Working within 30 miles of your home
• No vaccine requirement
• Work/life balance
• 401K Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• We continue to offer your job specific training's at no cost to you

Assistance Plus provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.