Youth Peer Support Specialist

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 Youth’s 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 

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 Driver’s 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.