Peer Counselor

Salary Range: $21.51 - $29.58

Required Education: High School or GED

Required Experience: Previous work experience with transitional aged youth in school, residential, outpatient treatment or foster home setting AND/OR be a previous consumer of these systems.

Education Pay: Additional $1.00 hourly ($2,080 annually) for Associates Degree OR Additional $2.00 hourly ($4,160 annually) for Bachelors Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy or closely related field OR

Additional $3.00 hourly ($6,240 annually) for Masters Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy or closely related field.

Bilingual Pay: additional $1.92 hourly ($4,000 annually) for approved County Threshold Language

The Victor Community Support Services (VCSS) Peer Specialist, under the direct supervision of the Peer Coordinator, works with Transitional Aged Youth (TAY) and TAY families in the community to raise awareness of mental health issues and reduce stigma through education, resources and referrals. The Peer Specialist facilitates support groups and presentations and provides community resources and referrals.

• Informs, trains, supports and empowers TAY participants served.
• Facilitates self-help groups and skill-based groups for PEI TAY participants.
• Communicates, represents and promotes the TAY perspective within the community mental health system.
• Attends and participates in special events, conferences, workshops and trainings within the mental health system and in the community.
• Develops stigma reducing activities and programs which support TAY participants.
• Develops effective working relationships with agencies and organizations to provide Peer to Peer programs in the communities they serve.
• Provides referrals and linkage to resources that are appropriate to TAY participants and their community.
• Documents all activities as required.
• Acts as a resource person for and assists in the training, work assignment and supervision of other TAY Peer Specialists. If applicable to the position.
• Provides guidance and leadership in the solution to barriers of the implementation of Peer-to-Peer program activities. If applicable to the position.
  
  

Additional duties to include:

• Develops and facilitates Peer Support Groups and skill-based groups as necessary to provide a comprehensive peer support system for participating Transitional Aged Youth (TAY).
• Provides one to one mentoring to assigned TAY.
• Participates as a member of the TAY Service Planning Team to ensure coordination and integration of services.
• Completes all client documentation according to Agency and regulatory standards within Scope of Practice.
• Meets Agency service delivery standard.
• Completers other duties as assigned.