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.

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). This position performs a wide range of tasks to assist participants in regaining control over their own lives and over their own recovery process. By applying the tools the Peer Support Specialist has developed in his or her own recovery/that of a family member, as well as the philosophy and values of Intentional Peer Support, the Peer Support Specialist will build a connection, consider worldview, maintain mutuality and move towards a new way of being within the new relationship with the participant. The Peer Support Specialist will also collaborate, coach and challenge participants in viewing crisis as an opportunity for growth and change.

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 is able to 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 with regard to 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.

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.

• 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:
• without having received provisional certification by completion of the Core training
• 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 in order to be covered under the agency's insurance policy.

• Absent a qualifying medical exemption and pursuant to Maine's Covid-19 Vaccine Mandate, being fully vaccinated as defined by Maine CDC, is a requirement for this position.

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:·

• Work Culture Focused on Employee Wellness & Inclusivity
• Friendly & Supportive Atmosphere
• Agency Paid Training & Professional Development Opportunities
• Generous Paid Time Off (full-time employees earn 23 days per year to start)
• Paid Holidays
• Health & Dental Benefits Eligibility
• Agency Paid Life Insurance Policy
• 403(b) Retirement Plan (with employer match)
• Friendly Neighbor Discounts: Verizon, Sullivan Tire, and Governor's Restaurant
• Gym Membership Reimbursement