Peer Support Specialist

About this role

For over 35 years, Youth Villages has transformed the lives of children and families nationwide through innovative, research-based programs focused on preserving and restoring families.

As a national leader in children’s mental and behavioral health, we serve more than 47,000 youth, young people, and their families annually across 29 states and Washington, D.C. Our proven treatment models drive long-term success in child welfare, juvenile justice, and mental health systems. At Youth Villages, we do what works — partnering with others to expand our impact and advocate for meaningful, lasting change.

We're seeking purpose-driven individuals who are passionate about making a difference. With a dedicated team of more than 5,000 staff, Youth Villages is committed to investing in and supporting our employees by offering opportunities to build a fulfilling career through professional growth, personal development, and a mission that matters— helping children and families live successfully.   For more information, please visit  www.youthvillages.org 
 Program Overview:  

Youth Villages’ Specialized Crisis Services (SCS) Program provides rapid, effective assessment and intervention for youth up to age 18 who are experiencing a psychiatric emergency, such as suicidal or homicidal thoughts, severe depression, physical aggression, psychosis, or acting in a destructive or uncontrollable manner. The program offers thorough, strength-based assessments and crisis management to ensure the safety of the youth and others involved. Families, community members, and providers can reach out for support regardless of whether the youth is currently receiving services from Youth Villages.   

SCS staff work closely with the youth, their family, and key community partners to evaluate risk factors and develop an immediate plan for stabilization. Services are provided in the home or community to offer timely, accessible support during a crisis. In addition to crisis assessment, the program provides ongoing treatment and intervention to help maintain family stability until appropriate long-term services can be secured.      

Position Overview:  

The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) provides youth- and family-centered peer support to children/adolescents who have experienced a mental health crisis event.  The PSS supports ongoing stabilization by engaging youth and caregivers, providing strength-based coaching and mentoring, facilitating connection to community and clinical resources, and delivering structured parent education workshops.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:   

The Peer Support Specialist:  

• Teaches and models the value of every individual’s experience caring for a child or youth with a mental, emotional, behavioral (MEB) or co-occurring disorder  

• Fosters a full and equal partnership with the child/youth, family, and caregiver  

• Completes the required evaluation documentation in collaboration with the Care Coordinator  

• Encourages and assists caregivers in developing informal and formal networks of support that are responsive to the culture and unique needs of their child/youth and family  

• Teaches the child/youth, family, and caregiver how to identify and leverage their strengths to achieve the family’s goals  

• Arranges the time and place of family team meetings and assists in the facilitation  

• Partners with family and team members to identify and overcome barriers and/or service gaps  

• Understands and utilizes specific interventions necessary to assist caregivers in developing a family team and in establishing and meeting their child/youth and family’s individualized goals  

• Assists caregivers in creating their family team and individualized service plan  

• Leads and models how to facilitate collaborative working relationships with providers, school staff, and other professionals   

• Model effective coping techniques and advocacy skills  

• Teaches relevant skills needed for effective advocacy and navigation of the child-serving systems (including child welfare, juvenile justice, education, mental health, and transition services)  

• Assist caregivers in meeting their child’s or youth’s needs through support, education, and guidance in school-related meetings (504, Individual Education Plans, etc.) and the special education system  

• Assists caregivers in identifying and connecting with services addressing substance abuse and co-occurring disorders  

• Assists caregivers in learning how to access community resources and in making positive treatment choices for their child/youth and family  

• Documents activities provided to caregivers in either their individual records or program records  

• Assists non-caregiver staff in identifying programs and environments that foster hope and resiliency and are family-driven and youth-guided in nature  

• Collaborates with the clinician/therapist to provide support during the crisis and following the crisis  

• Attends 3 weekly meetings (individual, team, and clinical consultation) for professional development and quarterly booster training sessions to enhance clinical skills  

• Completes accurate and timely documentation in an electronic medical record system (EMR)  

• Performs other duties as assigned  

Additional Information:    • Schedule is flexible and non-traditional as it is based around the availability of youth and families served.   

• Applicants must possess a current, valid driver’s license, an automobile for work purposes, and proof of auto insurance.  

• Community-based staff will be reimbursed for applicable mileage.  

Skills and Knowledge:  

• Knowledge of the service area and resources for children, youth, and families  

• Knowledge and personal experience with children and youth who have emotional and behavioral disorders  

• Knowledge and experience with mental health, juvenile justice, educational, and/or other child-serving systems  

• Desire to help and support fam

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