You will come for our dedication to service, industry competitive salary and excellent benefits. You will stay when you discover our organizational culture and supportive leadership that prioritizes your professional growth.  For over 70 years, our committed team of dedicated professionals has provided the solid foundation where hope and healing can begin to flourish.

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Under the general supervision of the assigned Team Lead and the Manager of Integrated Services and in coordination with a multi-disciplinary team, the Family or Youth (Peer) Support Specialist provides peer support services and consumer information for participants in the Behavioral Health Home (BHH Child).

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Provides community outreach while assisting consumers in developing the knowledge and skills and acquiring the necessary supports to live as independently as possible in the least restrictive setting in the community. 
• Fully understands and can actively implement the values, philosophy and the four tasks of Intentional Peer Support.
• Models relationship building based on the four tasks of Intentional Peer Support with participants, volunteers and colleagues.
• Models the attributes of respect, trust, sensitivity and confidentiality to participants, volunteers and colleagues.
• Uses experience with personal recovery in assisting and supporting participants.
• Supports the participant as s/he aspires to roles which emphasize his or her strengths by sharing first hand experiences in their own recovery journey as well as offering hope, reassurance, self-determination and connection to the community.
• Coaches, collaborates and challenges participants' worldview to whom Peer Support is provided while maintaining mutual respect.
• Collaborates with family members and significant others as appropriate.
• Teaches and models the value of every individual's recovery experience.
• Provides and advocates for effective recovery-based services.
• Informs participants about community and natural supports and how to utilize these in the recovery process.
• Follows policies and procedures about the EHR to ensure that the services provided are consistent with best practices, assessment and/or treatment goals.
• Participates in scheduled meetings, including case reviews, supervisory sessions, staff meetings and other inter-agency and intra-agency meetings as appropriate for program and consumers.
• Maintains and utilizes knowledge of community resources.
• Participates in the provision of services in a team approach, networking with other providers and providing backup services in the absence of other staff.
• Provides public education and professional consultation services, when appropriate.
• Actively engages the assigned Manager whenever questions or concerns arise.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Peer support staff may function as a Family/Youth Support Specialist for children's services without certification for the first nine months of functioning as a Family/Youth Support Specialist, but may not continue functioning as a Family/Youth Support Specialist beyond nine months:
•    (a) without having received provisional certification by completion of the Core training, and
•    (b) without continuing pursuit of full certification as a Family/Youth Support Specialist for children's service and maintaining certification as a Family/Youth Support Specialist according to requirements as defined by the Maine Office of Child and Family Services.
• Duties require knowledge of and direct experience with mental health services as a self-identified mental health consumer (Youth Support Specialist) or a family member with direct experience with mental health services and is willing to self-identify on this basis with BHH Child members. 
• Volunteer experience at a Peer Center, Peer Support 101 training, provisional CIPSS certification and/or work experience as a Peer Support Specialist preferred.
• Must possess a valid State of Maine driver's license and a good driving record to be covered under the agency's insurance policy.

We strive to ensure that your work experience reflects the values we hold most dear - respect for individual, diversity of thought and ideas, and commitment to professional growth in an environment where you can thrive and excel.

External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled as defined under the Americans With Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case by case basis.

By joining our relaxed and friendly team, you will find colleagues willing to support you and embrace your unique perspectives and experiences. We promote whole health and wellness, not only for the clients we serve, but for our staff members as well. We support one another, share stories of our successes and challenges we face, and celebrate our collective and individual achievements. We are passionate about ensuring Tri-County is a respectful, inclusive community of professionals dedicated to our mission, those we serve, and each other.

Some of the many benefits of working for Tri-County:

• Generous Paid Time Off & Holidays
• Health, Dental & Vision Benefits
• Basic Life & Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Agency Paid Training & Professional Development Opportunities
• Gym Membership Reimbursement
• Friendly Neighbor Discounts: Verizon, Sullivan Tire, and Governor's Restaurant 

Tri-County Mental Health Services is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to maintaining a culture of mutual respect. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender orientation, or expression. We celebrate our differences and thrive on inclusivity.