Youth Peer Support Partner II - Children's Hope Alliance: Statesville, NC

Position Summary

Per the tenets of the SAMHSA NC Healthy Transitions Grant, the Youth Peer Support Partner II provides direct, youth-driven peer support to transition-aged youth and young adults (ages 16–25) experiencing serious mental illness and/or co-occurring disabilities. Grounded in System of Care (SOC) values, person-centered, and trauma-informed approaches, this role uses lived experience to build authentic relationships that promote recovery, resiliency, empowerment, and self-determination.

The Youth Peer Support Partner II supports young people as they navigate the transition from youth-serving systems into adult services, helping reduce stigma while increasing youth voice, leadership, and access to community-based supports.

• Comply with all grant-required activities as outlined in the NC Healthy Transitions Scope of Work.
• Provide input into the development, implementation, and evaluation of Healthy Transitions Project activities and outcomes.
• Support the program in meeting or exceeding grant goals and objectives.
• Model recovery, resiliency, hope, and self-efficacy to participants, colleagues, and community partners.
• Utilize lived experience and professional judgment to deliver individualized peer support, including outreach, engagement, care planning input, and ongoing case support.
• Support participants in identifying personal goals and developing clear, achievable steps that reflect youth voice, choice, and self‑direction.
• Provide guidance and encouragement related to education, employment, and life‑skills readiness when aligned with participant goals.
• Assist participants in accessing community, educational, vocational, and natural supports that align with their self‑identified goals.
• Accompany participants to community appointments or activities when appropriate, providing supportive presence and encouragement.
• Support youth in exploring, preparing for, and participating in paid internships when aligned with their interests, including application assistance and ongoing encouragement.
• Ensure services are delivered in alignment with System of Care principles, trauma‑informed practices, and person‑centered approaches.
• Assist with planning and facilitating low‑barrier engagement events and youth‑led activities.
• Support Youth Consultants by assisting with onboarding, engagement, and participation in program initiatives.
• Build and maintain relationships with internal and external partners serving transition‑aged youth.
• Assist with training and presentations for community partners and the mental health workforce related to Healthy Transitions, youth peer support, and youth leadership.
• Participate in anti‑stigma, community awareness, and policy‑informed efforts that elevate youth and young adult peer support statewide.
• Participate in care team meetings, supervision, peer supervision, and professional development activities.
• Complete documentation, reports, and required trainings accurately and within required timelines.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Be part of a youth‑led, recovery‑focused initiative shaping the future of mental health services in North Carolina.
• Use your lived experience to create meaningful change in the lives of young people.
• Work within a supportive, mission‑driven team committed to hope, healing, and empowerment.

Children’s Hope Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Lived experience as a recipient of youth mental health services.
• Ability to use lived experience in a professional, recovery-oriented manner.
• Strong communication, relationship‑building, and advocacy skills.
• Willingness to work flexible hours to meet youth needs.

• North Carolina Peer Support Specialist Certification (or ability to obtain within required timeframe).
• One year of experience working in mental health, youth services, or related fields.
• Qualified Professional (QP) status.
• Experience working with transition‑aged youth, systems navigation, or youth leadership initiatives.