About this role
Job Summary:
RiverValley provides targeted case management for children and teens ages 3-18 who have been diagnosed with a severe emotional disability. These services are provided to assist the child in receiving the medical, educational, and social support services they need to develop self-sufficiency and promote independence.
The Youth Peer Support Specialist for TAY uses relevant personal experiences to serve as a role model for the youth. They ensure Youths voices and choices are heard and help drive the TAY model of care. This person will themselves have received state-funded services from at least one child-serving agency and will demonstrate leadership and advocacy abilities in the field of behavioral health.
Essential Functions:
- Provides support to youth through sharing lived experiences in accessing mental health/ behavioral health supports.
- Uses lived experiences to teach through experience and serves as an appropriate role model for youth.
- Supports and guides youth in understanding youth culture, developing self-advocacy measures, and developing relationships with community partners in order to eventually advocate for themselves and access services more fully.
- Maintains up to date knowledge of youth-related mental and behavioral health issues.
- Maintains timely completion of required trainings, supervisions, meeting attendance, etc., at state and organizational levels
- Meets requirements of being a transition aged youth or young adult, between 21 or older, but can continue providing services as a Youth Peer Support Specialist until the age of 35.
- Maintains, in a comprehensive manner, all required documentation pertinent to role, in written and/or Avatar formats.
- Fosters collaborative working relationships among members of the leadership and management teams and programs.
- Other duties as assigned.
Why Choose RiverValley?
RiverValley is now a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), expanding access to high-quality, integrated care in the communities we serve. Join a mission-driven organization committed to clinical excellence, professional growth, and meaningful impact.
We offer:
- Competitive pay
- Comprehensive benefits (health, dental, vision, Telehealth)
- Paid time off + 9 holidays
- Retirement plan options
- Tuition reimbursement + free CEUs
- Clinical supervision
- Wellness & employee assistance programs
- Mileage reimbursement for work related travel
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) - eligible employer
Qualifications
Education and Experience:
- High School diploma or GED.
- Meets the criteria as a youth having lived with an emotional, social, behavioral, and/ or substance use disability.
- Must be between the ages of 21-35.
- Must have completed a short essay discussing experience of having received state-funded services from at least one child-serving agency.
- MANDT: Yes -Valid Drivers License: Yes -CPR/ First Aid: Yes-Reliable Transportation.
Knowledge and Skills:
- Demonstrates experience with leadership and advocacy in the behavioral health field, both with individuals and groups.
- Demonstrates effort at self-directed leadership development.
- Good communication skills, both oral and written.
- Demonstrates relevant knowledge of pertinent community partners.
- Ability to make appropriate decisions and manage conflict.
- Ability to model appropriate behaviors for youth accessing services.