Youth Peer Support Specialist

Job Description

Under the supervision of the Crisis Clinical Coordinator, the Youth Peer Support Specialist will provide peer mentoring services, including peer counseling, mentoring, support, and advocacy according to the needs, interests and perspectives of youth receiving services from the Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS) program due to an identified crisis. The ultimate goal of peer mentoring is to engage the youth in the support available, advocate for the needs of the youth, and assist in transitioning into other support services that may be needed in the community.

The focus of the Youth Peer Support Specialist is to support the youth during the risk assessment that occurs when a request is made to the MRSS program and to provide ongoing mentoring while the MRSS case is open. The Youth Peer Support Specialist will work closely with the MRSS crisis clinician to help the youth achieve their goals and find stability in the community.

This position is available due to grant funding that will end on September 30, 2025.

• Maintain professional, trauma‑informed, and empathetic interactions during crisis interactions with children, families, and stakeholders.
• Use critical thinking and risk management skills when connecting with youth during mentoring.
• Understand and utilize knowledge about warning signs and risk factors associated with suicide risk and risk of harm to others.
• Develop comprehensive skills in providing support for youth in crisis.

• Provide individual peer support and counseling.
• Share lived experience related to recovery, when appropriate.
• Conduct routine home visits.
• Communicate with and provide appropriate documentation to the DPBHS team, as needed.
• Communicate with appropriate stakeholders to maintain a systems‑based approach to assisting with the youth’s stabilization.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and timely documentation.

• Uphold professional standards of peer mentoring and the mission of the organization.
• Maintain a quality code of conduct, ethics and professionalism.
• Provide goal‑directed and team‑oriented services.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with all stakeholders.
• Reliability & Flexibility
• Customer Service
• Written and Verbal Communication
• Collaboration and Teamwork

None

Community‑Based;
Office location in Lewes or Wilmington

Travel to locations where the client resides or is located.

• Lived experience as a youth who experienced support due to behavioral health needs
• Young Adult ages 18‑24 years old
• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record

• Competitive Compensation
• Incentive Pay for Specific Roles
• Generous Paid Time Off (starting at 44 days of paid leave a year)
• Up to 6% Annual Contribution to Your Retirement Fund
• Free Professional Development Opportunities
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Life and Long‑term Disability Insurance

Delaware Guidance Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.