Peer Partner Advocate; Former Foster Youth

SUMMARY: The Peer Partner (PP) serves as a voice for youth receiving treatment in one of the Paradise Oaks Youth Services (POYS) Mental health programs. As a part of the child and family team, the PP provides assistance and support to POYS youth including peer coaching/mentoring, in-home support, accompanying youth and parents to meetings, providing community resource information and advocating for services.

The PP works in collaboration with the leadership and treatment teams and ensures a youth voice in the system of care to improve the quality of services IES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Provides individual mentorship and support to youth being served within the agency’s various mental health programs. Peer Partner will not be responsible for direct supervision of clients or counted into the supervision ratio.

Communicates, represents and advocates on behalf of the youth perspective within the clinic setting. Works in collaboration with the team members in the POYS programs.

Engages and guides youth to explore and articulate their own values, beliefs, and to find their own voice.

Provides services individually, in groups, in diverse clinic and community settings that meet the needs of youth and families.

Helps youth identify their personal and cultural strengths and determine how these assets can be part of their treatment plan.

Identifies information and resources in local communities which are useful to youth within those communities. Participates in the intake process/interview meeting as assigned.

Participates in staff trainings and presentations regarding peer advocacy, as required.

Provides orientation to staff on the role of the Youth Peer Mentor and Philosophy.

Advocates, educates, makes referrals to clinical and program staff, and supports youth without providing clinical advice.

Mentors youth by using self as a positive role model while maintaining professional boundaries.

Assists youth in developing and maintaining healthy peer and adult relationships.

Consults on treatment and outreach approaches for youth.

Participates in treatment planning and case conferences as part of the child family team.

Shares personal experiences and firsthand experiences to support a strength-based and client/family friendly atmosphere.

Participates in at least one county community advisory meeting per quarter which can be determined in concert with Clinical Director. Examples include:
Mental Health Board Children’s Stakeholder Committee, Mental Health Services Act planning meeting, and Division focus groups.

Attends Youth Advocate Committee (known as YAC) which includes Youth Peer Mentors from other provider agencies throughout the county.

Attends Child Family Services Provider meetings and Service Provider meetings which meet quarterly.

Completes documentation for services provided as required by state county, and company policy.

Maintains a quarterly productivity of 20%.Documents interventions with youth and/or families in a thorough and timely manner.

Performs all other tasks as instructed by supervisor, consistent with above job duties.

Attends all staff trainings pursuant to POYS policy and procedureQUALIFICATIONA High School diploma or GED is required. The completion of at least 12 units in Child Development, Psychology, Social Work, or similar field is preferred.

Must have received recent direct services through the public mental health system as a youth. The PP cannot currently be receiving services from the agency (Working with youth who received public mental health services is not a substitute for this requirement).Valid California Driver’s License required; must meet agency requirements for driving a van.