Youth Peer Mentor

Founded in 1867, the Sacramento Children's Home is the oldest active charity in Sacramento and among the most highly respected. SCH is an equal opportunity employer who values an inclusive work environment that celebrates and recognizes the diversity of its employees. At SCH, we appreciate that having employees of many different backgrounds strengthens our organization, and we strive to create a workforce that reflects the diverse and culturally rich communities that we serve.

OVERVIEW:  Under the supervision of the Clinical Program Manager or Lead/Urgent Response Supervisor, the Youth Peer Mentor (YPM) provides immediate and follow-up care and support youth being served in the Urgent Response Department during times of crisis and urgent need. The YPM utilizes lived experience to increase engagement with youth, provide advocacy for youth, and aid youth with connections to needed services and resources while promoting a wellness and recovery philosophy within a strength-based approach.  This will also involve peer coaching/mentoring, providing community resource information and advocating for services. The YPM works as part of Urgent Response department and team of care within SCH.  Some positions shall provide in-home support, accompanying youth and parents to meetings, etc.

DUTIES:

• Provides crisis response to youth seeking support through the Source’s contact methods (phone, text, chat) as well as in community and in home response.
• Works as part of an urgent response team to address youth crisis needs and engages additional staff (Urgent Response Coordinators, Therapists and Family Partners) in a collaborative care.
• Engages and guides youth to explore and articulate their own values, beliefs, and to find their own voice.
• Provides services individually, in groups, in diverse clinics and community settings that meet the needs of youth and families.
• Helps youth identify their personal and cultural strengths and determine how these assets can be part of their treatment plan. 
• Identifies information and resources in local communities which are useful to youth within those communities.
• Promotes Recovery Model principles and supports development of safety and care plans with youth and families, encouraging youth voice and choice.
• Participates in staff training and presentations regarding peer advocacy, as required.
• Provides orientation to staff on the role of the Youth Peer Mentor and philosophy.
• Advocates, educates, makes referrals to clinical staff, and supports youth without providing clinical advice.
• Mentors youth by using self as a positive role model while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Assists youth in developing and maintaining healthy peer and adult relationships.
• Complete required documentation for each client/family interaction within required deadlines.
• Completes required documentation implementing mobile crisis benefits services as a certified peer
• Ensure thorough and accurate data entry in the identified call center software.
• Attend external meetings to support client/caregiver such as emergency CFTs, etc. as appropriate.
• Assist in the ongoing development and evaluation of the service program.
• Develops and facilitates Youth Advisory Board to encourage youth feedback into services.
• Facilitates recurring youth recreational and healthy living groups and activities.
• Consults on treatment and outreach approaches for youth.
• Participates in policy planning meetings with Family Partner and Clinical Program Managers as needed.
• Participates in treatment planning and case conferences as part of the child family team. 
• Shares personal experiences and firsthand experiences to support a strength-based and client/family friendly atmosphere.
• Participates county community advisory meetings as directed.
• Attends Youth Advocate Committee (known as YAC) which includes Youth Peer Mentors from other provider agencies throughout the county.
• Attends Child Family Services Provider meetings and Service Provider meetings which meet quarterly.
• Participate in training activities as directed.
• Establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with internal staff and external resources.
• Adhere to policies, systems and standards of the Sacramento Children’s Home and all applicable programs, agencies and contracts.
• Participate in supervision, staff meetings, process reviews and other assigned meetings.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

LOCATION:   2750 Sutterville Rd. Sacramento, CA 95820

SCHEDULE:   Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 am – 6:30 pm

SALARY:        $24.60 – $27.66 per hour, to start

Education and Experience:

A High School diploma or GED is required. The completion of at least 12 units in Child Development, Psychology, Social Work, Early Childhood Development or similar field is preferred.

Must have received recent direct services through the public mental health system as a youth.  The YPM cannot have worked for the same agency where services are/were being received.  (Working with youth who received public mental health services is not a substitute for this requirement). Some positions may require the YPM to have received recent direct services through the foster care system as a youth.

Must complete the Peer Certification process within 120 days of date of hire.   

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 driver’s license and minimum insurance coverage is also required.

BENEFITS: Excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life and accident insurance, short and long-term disability plans, retirement plan with company match, paid vacation, sick leave, 11 paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, professional development, and career advancement opportunities.

TOAPPLY: External candidates must complete our online employment application available at www.kidshome.org/careers

PLEASE NOTE: Non-SCH employees who are made an offer of employment will be required to pass a post-offer, pre-employment background process that includes passing a drug test, including marijuana. Applicants who do not pass any part of this pre-employment process will have their offer of employment