Job Description

The Youth Peer Support Specialist (YPSS) utilizes personal lived experience to support youth in out-of-home care navigating mental health, behavioral, and substance use challenges. This role involves mentoring, advocacy, and facilitating access to resources, all while adhering to Kentucky's regulatory standards for youth peer support services.

1. Share relevant personal experiences to educate and connect with youth who are in out-of-home care.
2. Serve as a role model, demonstrating effective coping strategies and resilience.
3. Empower clients to voice their preferences while developing and implementing their care plans.
4. Attend team meetings to support clients and advocate for their needs upon request.
5. Enhance clients' self-advocacy skills and confidence.
6. Educate service providers about youth culture to improve service delivery.
7. Assist clients in building relationships with community partners and accessing resources.
8. Work collaboratively with the youth’s treatment team to meet all needs.
9. Complete required documentation within required timeframes.
10. Performs other duties as assigned.

YPSS will have lived experience in foster care, residential, or other DCBS or DJJ settings. 

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Strong communication, problem solving, negotiation, and organizational skills.
• Has a flexible schedule and able to manage time effectively.
• Valid Driver’s License and insurability.
• Maintain their own health and wellness through continued recovery and/or mental health services as needed.
• Successful completion of pre-employment drug screen.
• Successful completion of a background screening.
• Successful completion of a TB skin test or proof of a negative chest x-ray or other documentation.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Job Tags

Full time, Flexible hours,

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