- A high school diploma or equivalent is required; Bachelor's degree in a human services discipline strongly preferred
- Experience as a recipient of services for people with psychiatric conditions and be well along in own personal recovery (self-knowledge and habits needed to support one's own health) required.
- One year experience working with Youth and Young Adults experiencing co-occurring disorders in addition to psychiatric conditions required.
- All applicants must be able to become CPR, First Aid certified within 2 weeks of employment Certified Peer Specialist or successfully complete the Core Elements of Young Adult Peer Mentoring Training by six months of hire
- All candidates must be able to successfully pass a CORI, reference, and driving record check
- Access to an operational and insured vehicle and willing to use it to transport Youth and Young Adults strongly preferred
- A valid driver's license must be presented at the time of employment. Incumbents must be at least 21 years of age, have maintained a valid US driver's license for at least 6 months, and must be able to pass a driver's screening background check
Knowledge and Skills:
• Competent in the use of the Young Adult Peer Mentoring Practice Profile
• Knowledge of both the DMH Child Youth and Family and Adult services systems
• Skilled in the use of Achieve My Plan
• Ability to assist YYA in participating in service planning to meet YYA expressed goals
• Skilled in mediation and conflict resolution
• Willing to use and share their personal, practical experience of recovery process, wellness management, and the personal effort and commitment required for YYA to have a full and satisfying life in the community
• Strong commitments to the right and ability of people with psychiatric disability to live, work, have meaningful relationships, and receive the resources and supports needed in their community of choice
• Knowledge of person-centered, strengths-based, recovery-oriented values, and principles and modalities
• Ability to learn and use evidence-based approaches and approaches
• Ability to create and maintain supportive, trusting relationships with YYA served by the AC
• Commitment to maintain confidentiality of YYA
• Knowledge of engagement and participatory planning techniques
• Sensitivity to the cultural, religious, ethnic, disability, and gender differences of YYA
• Knowledge and use of advocacy techniques
• Respect for and knowledge of legal, civil, and human rights of YYA
• Knowledge of community and other resources
• Ability to work independently as well as a part of a team
• Ability to use crisis intervention techniques and relapse prevention techniques
• Ability to balance competing priorities
• Ability to make independent judgments and decisions
• Knowledge of personal computer applications and equipment
Typical Requirements:
Experience as a recipient of services for people with psychiatric conditions and be well along in own personal recovery (self-knowledge and habits needed to support one’s own health) required. One year experience working with YYA experiencing co-occurring disorders in addition to psychiatric conditions required. Valid driver’s license preferred. Access to an operational and insured vehicle and willingness to use it to transport YYA preferred. Preference given to bi-lingual/bi-cultural applicants, LGBTQ+ applicants, and Black, Indigenous, Person of Color (BIPOC) applicants.
Preferred /Required Education:
A high school diploma or equivalent is required; Bachelor’s degree in a human services discipline strongly preferred.
Driving Requirements:
May be called on to drive for Vinfen using either a Vinfen van or personal vehicle. A valid driver's license must be presented at the time of employment. Incumbents must be at least 21 years of age, have maintained a valid US driver's license for at least one year, and must be able to pass a driver's screening background check. If driving, must maintain a safe driving record, which is subject to annual checks. If using a personal vehicle, must possess and maintain adequate insurance.
Physical Effort:
Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb as this is a very physically active position. Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or the use of a two-person lift. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer. Ability to sit, reach, climb stairs, and maneuver through narrow spaces or hallways. Ability to assist clients with tasks of daily living. Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with clients, staff, and external representatives. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
Required Certifications:
CPR required within two weeks of hire
First Aid required within two weeks of hire
NET required
Achieve My Plan PLUS certification within 6 months of hire
Required Credentials/Licenses:
Certified Peer Specialist and/or successfully complete the Core Elements of Young Adult Peer Mentoring Training by six months of hire.