The AmeriCorps Youth Peer Support Specialist will provide direct peer-to-peer support, mentorship, and guidance to youth who are experiencing challenges related to mental health, substance use, navigating difficult life transitions, or other social-emotional needs. Drawing on their own lived experiences, the Peer Support Specialist will serve as a relatable role model, fostering hope, empowerment, and a sense of belonging for program participants. This position is a unique opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of young people while gaining valuable experience in the fields of youth development, social work, and public health.

Peer Support and Mentorship: Develop and maintain supportive, trusting relationships with youth participants, acting as a positive role model. Share personal experiences of recovery, resilience, and successful navigation of challenges in a way that is empowering and appropriate. Listen empathetically to youth concerns, offering non-judgmental support and validation. Assist youth in identifying their strengths, goals, and developing coping strategies. Provide encouragement and motivation to engage in positive activities and healthy behaviors.

Resource Navigation and Advocacy: Connect youth with appropriate community resources, including mental health services, substance use treatment, educational support, employment opportunities, housing assistance, and social services. Advocate for youth needs within systems (e.g., school, juvenile justice, healthcare, etc.) as appropriate and with proper consent. Help youth navigate complex systems and understand their rights.

Group Facilitation: Co-facilitate or lead workshops, and psychoeducation sessions on topics relevant to youth well-being (e.g., stress management, communication skills, healthy relationships, goal setting, etc.). Create a safe and inclusive environment for group participation.

Documentation: Maintain accurate and confidential records of interactions with youth, progress toward goals, and referrals. Specifics will come from host site.

Professional Development: Complete required AmeriCorps program documentation and reports in timely manner. Participate in regular supervision (at host site) and team meetings (at Talbert House). Actively participate in all AmeriCorps and program-specific training, including those related to peer support ethics, youth development, Mental Health First Aid, cultural competencies, and others as identified by program. Engage in ongoing personal and professional growth.

Interpersonal Skills: Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. Ability to demonstrate empathy, compassion, and a non-judgmental attitude toward all youth. Punctual, dependable and able to manage a flexible schedule, which may include some evenings or weekends. Ability to work effectively as part of a diverse team. A strong desire to serve the community and empower young people.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

• Personal lived experience as a young person who has navigated mental health challenges, substance use, system involvement, or similar significant life challenges, and is now in a place of stable recovery or wellness.
• High School Diploma or GED. Some college coursework or a degree in related field (e.g., social work, psychology, education) is a plus.
• Youth Peer Support Certification required within the first 3 months of employment. Please find full criteria here: https://mha.ohio.gov/community-partners/peer-supporters/certified-youth-peer-supporter-cyps
• Youth Mental Health First Aid Certification completed within the first 3 months of employment. (Paid training time)

Essential Functions/Physical Demands:

• Positional: Driving in accordance with job duties assigned. Frequent to occasional walking and use of stairs. Frequent to constant sitting.
• Gross Mobility: Rare climbing, or crawling. Infrequent balancing, stooping, kneeling, or crouching. Occasional to frequent reaching and handling.
• Sensory: Rare feeling, tasting/smelling and use of color vision. Occasional use of midrange and far visual acuity, depth perception, and field of vision. Constant talking and hearing.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or on the basis of disability.