Youth Peer Support

The Youth Peer Support Specialist (YPSS) will act as a support and resource for youth with serious emotional disturbances (SED) who are receiving services in the behavioral health system. Must be age 18-28 with lived experience navigating the mental health system. The YPSS acts as a key member of the treatment team by working with youth one on one or in-group, supporting them in achieving goals through shared activities and interventions. YPSSs will support youth empowerment by assisting youth in developing skills to improve their overall functioning and quality of life and working collaboratively with others involved in delivering the youth’s care. Youth Peer Supports are trained in a MDHHS approved curriculum and receive ongoing training.

Willing and able to self-identify as a person who has or is receiving mental health services as a youth and has lived experience, and is prepared to use that experience in help others

Essential Functions

• Attend all required trainings to enhance skills and meet agency guidelines and as required by the Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), and other agencies governing the operation of the agency.
• Build and foster relationships with the youth and families and others working with the youth
• Actively engage as a part of the treatment team to meet youth needs, complete all required documentation and paperwork
• Prepare youth to participate in their own meetings and treatment planning process (including Wraparound, Family Centered Planning meetings (IPOS) IEP meetings
• Teach self-advocacy, problem solving and independent living skills
• Provide support during “rough times”