Youth Peer Support Specialist

Summary/objective

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 is to engage the youth in available support, advocate for their needs, and assist in transitioning into additional community support services.

Sign on Bonus: $3500

Retention Bonus: $875

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

In addition, the incumbent is responsible for documentation of mentoring services from intake through discharge. This position is funded through a grant that ends 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 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 and document with the DPBHS team, as needed.
• Communicate with stakeholders to maintain a systems-based approach to assisting youth 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

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.
• Age 18‑24 years old.
• High School Diploma or Equivalent.
• Valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.

Delaware Guidance Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

These duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• 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.