Youth Peer Mentor - Full Service Partnership Wraparound

Overview

The Youth Peer Mentor (YPM) serves as the voice for youth receiving treatment in SCH mental health programs. As a part of the child and family team, the YPM provides assistance and support to Sacramento Children's Home youth including peer coaching/mentoring, in-home support, accompanying youth and parents to meetings, providing community resource information and advocating for services. The YPM works within the Wraparound program and ensures the youth voice in the system of care to improve the quality of services at SCH.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual mentorship and support to youth being served within the Wraparound program
• Communicate, represent, and advocate on behalf of the youth perspective within the clinic setting
• Work in collaboration with team members in the Wraparound program
• Engage and guide youth to explore and articulate their own values, beliefs, and to find their own voice
• Provide services individually, in groups, in diverse clinic and community settings that meet the needs of youth and families
• Help youth identify their personal and cultural strengths and determine how these assets can be part of their treatment plan
• Identify information and resources in local communities which are useful to youth within those communities
• Participate in the intake process/interview meeting as assigned
• Participate in staff trainings and presentations regarding peer advocacy, as required
• Provide orientation to staff on the role of the Youth Peer Mentor and philosophy
• Advocate, educate, make referrals to clinical staff, and support youth without providing clinical advice
• Mentor youth by using self as a positive role model while maintaining professional boundaries
• Assist youth in developing and maintaining healthy peer and adult relationships
• Consult on treatment and outreach approaches for youth
• Utilize existing strengths and strengths to build to advocate for accessibility and inclusion of the child in community activities and resources
• Assist in the ongoing development and evaluation of the service program
• Participate in treatment planning and case conferences as part of the child family team
• Share personal and firsthand experiences to support a strength-based and client/family friendly atmosphere
• Participate in at least one county community advisory meeting per quarter which can be determined in concert with Program Coordinator. Examples include Mental Health Board Children's Stakeholder Committee, Mental Health Services Act planning meetings, and Division focus groups
• Attend Youth Advocate Committee (known as YAC) which includes Youth Peer Mentors from other provider agencies throughout the county
• Attend and participate in all family child team meetings, team meetings, interdisciplinary team meetings, and other meetings as required
• Establish and maintain collaborative and effective working relationships with internal staff throughout all levels of the agency and with external resources
• Participate in training activities as directed
• Serve as a role model and advocate for children and families involved in the Wraparound process
• Adhere to ethical and professional standards in all aspects of service delivery
• Foster a supportive and empowering environment for children and families to participate in their own journey actively
• Document interventions with youth and/or families in a thorough and timely manner
• Carry out mandated reporter duties as required by law
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required
• Completion of at least 12 units in Child Development, Psychology, Social Work, Early Childhood Development, or similar fields preferred
• Must have received recent direct services through the public mental health system as a youth
• Cannot have worked for the same agency where services are or were being received. Working with youth who received public mental health services is not a substitute for this requirement
• Ability to read, write, speak and understand the English language
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word and Outlook
• Proven ability to relate to youth and be seen as a positive role model
• Ability to maintain positive discipline and group control
• Excellent writing, organizational and communication skills
• Ability to establish, develop and maintain appropriate boundaries with staff, youth, and professionals
• Skill to maintain a professional, confidential work environment
• Ability to manage multiple tasks at one time in an efficient manner
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Must be able to function independently and be able to seek guidance when necessary to assist in working with the children and families
• Ability to relate to children and families in a positive manner
• Ability to work cooperatively with a culturally, economically, and/or ethnically diverse client and staff population
• Knowledge of child abuse issues and reporting mandates
• Knowledge of confidentiality
• Knowledge of substance abuse issues
• Knowledge of team, family, and group dynamics
• Sensitivity to the cultural diversity of clients and employees
• Knowledge of and/or the ability to locate community resources for meeting the needs of youth/families
• Solution-focused problem-solving skills
• Diplomacy in resolving conflicts and integrating divergent perspectives
• Ability to work constructively as a member of a team
• Ability to represent SCH values and principles in a variety of settings
• Ability to effectively communicate, establish, and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with a wide range of individuals and groups
• Ability to maintain positive working relationships in a respectful and collaborative manner
• Ability to report to work on a regular and reliable basis
• Driving is an essential function of this job, and as such, employees in this position will be required to furnish their own vehicle to be used in the course of employment
• A valid CA driver's license and minimum insurance coverage are required
• Must be 21 years of age or older

Schedule

Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 5:30pm. Evenings and weekends as needed.

Location

2750 Sutterville Rd., Sacramento, CA 95820

Pay

$22.46 – $25.27 per hour, to start

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life and accident insurance
• Short and long-term disability plans
• Retirement plan with company match
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and 11 paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities