Peer Specialist; Youth & Young Adult

Peer Specialist (Youth & Young Adult)

Peer Specialist (Youth & Young Adult) Engage in peer support relationships with transition aged youth and young adults roughly aged 16 to 30 who are simultaneously navigating coming into adulthood and their own mental health and/or substance use challenges. This role will engage in sharing your own lived experience navigating these challenges as a young person to walk alongside these young people on their wellness and recovery journeys.

Responsibilities:

• Provide direct services and support to individuals experiencing difficult situations and/or strong emotions.
• Develop meaningful relationships with individuals with varied experiences and worldviews.
• Strategically share pieces of your own recovery journey to inspire hope.
• Promote self-determination and choice for individuals.
• Support individuals in developing self-advocacy skills.
• Model recovery and sustained wellness.
• Complete agency and program documentation.

Requirements:

• Valid driver's license and use of a personal vehicle
• High School Diploma or GED
• Lived/living experience with life changing mental health, trauma, and/or substance use challenges as a young person. This could include being involved in the mental health system as a youth, time spent in a youth residential program or DCF involvement among other experiences.
• Youth and Young Adult Peer Support Training (within 1 year of hire)
• Vermont Peer Support Provider Certification (within 1 year of hire)

Structure:

• Part time (18.75hrs) Nonexempt AFSCME Union (dues will apply)
• Starting at $21.56/hr, We offer a competitive salary commensurate to experience

Benefits:

• Generous time off pro-rated for positions 16 hours or more
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee referral program with financial payment
• Discounted online undergraduate/graduate courses through Champlain College truED
• Retirement through 401(k)
• Award-winning workplace wellness program including physical fitness groups for staff, financial wellness incentives, and ongoing workplace wellness advocacy and education
• Voluntary benefits from local/international businesses: discounted gym memberships, mobile phone service, ski/snowboard passes, auto/home insurance, and more!

Our Values:

• Clients are at the heart of our decision making.
• We are committed to individual and collective well-being and success.
• We are responsible stewards of the resources entrusted to us.
• We are steadfast in our practice and pursuit of excellence.

Howard Center is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. The agency's culture and service delivery is strengthened by the diversity of its workforce. Minorities, people of color and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. EOE/TTY.