Specialist - Youth Peer

This position is located in Dothan, Alabama.

Shift Schedule is:
Monday/Wednesday 10:30am - 6:30pm;
Tuesday/Thursday 11am - 7:00pm;
Friday 9am - 5pm.

Hours must be flexible to meet the needs of families.

This position could occasionally include Saturday work.

The Youth Peer Specialist (YPS) supports young adults, ages 16 - 21, by sharing their own lived experience of mental health/addictions with young adults to foster hope, build resiliency, and develop self-advocacy skills that will empower them to reach their goals. YPS will be expected to work with our clinical team to address the critical domains of functioning for youth/young adults, to include but not limited to working, learning, belonging, living, and healing through a strengths-based individualized team process.

Travel may be required.

• Utilizing lived experience, the youth peer support specialist will
  • Provide peer support to young adults ages 16 – 21 years of age by sharing their own experiences and building trusting relationships.
  • Offer support and guidance to young adults as they receive services and support from our organization.
  • Foster hope and approach young adults’ skills from a strengths-based perspective.
  • Coordinate outreach and youth engagement efforts in the community.
  • Practice culturally responsive communication and interaction with young adults and their families and/or natural supports.
  • Act as a resource and safe person for young adults to approach with questions, concerns, and accomplishments.
  • Teach and role model the value of every individual’s recovery experience
  • Model effective coping techniques and self-help strategies.
  • Assist clients in developing empowerment skills and combating stigma through self‑advocacy. Utilize regular meetings, individual, and/or group sessions.
  • Articulate with patients what has been helpful and what not been helpful in his/her own recovery process.
  • Identify beliefs and values a consumer holds that works against his/her recovery.
  • Discern when and how much of their lived experience to share with patients.
• Using a formal goal setting process, the youth peer support specialist will:
  • Assist patients in articulating personal goals for recovery through the use of one‑to‑one and group sessions. Support clients in identifying and creating goals and developing recovery plans with the skills, strengths, supports and resources to aid them in achieving those goals.
  • Plan and research for small groups and interest activities.
  • Facilitate small groups focusing on topics related to recovery:
    Coping Techniques, Health Teaching, Spirituality, and Social Interaction.
  • Assist young adults in working with treatment team in determining the steps he/she needs to take in order to achieve these goals.
• Participate in one‑on‑one relationship building with youth / young adults. Activities could be done in the community.
• Maintain proper documentation in a timely manner as required by Spectra Care and Alabama Department of Mental Health policies. Complete daily notes and regular documentation as required by Spectra Care guidelines.
• Participate in meetings with supervisor to discuss ideas, difficulties, suggestions and expectations. Facilitate understanding between client and clinician.

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Must have lived experience with a mental illness or child welfare services and/or systems.
• Must become certified as a Certified Peer Specialist by completing DMH‑approved training(s).
• Must understand and endorse a recovery‑oriented approach to providing services.
• Possess a valid Driver License with good MVR and reliable transportation
• Must meet insurability requirements to drive a system vehicle (21 years of age).
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills.

• Bachelor’s degree in a mental illness or related field.
• Previously completed Certified Youth Peer Specialist training and exam with ADMH.

• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama Health and Dental Insurance
• Alabama State Retirement
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off - Sick time and annual leave
• Company paid life insurance
• AD&D and dependent life insurance