Transition Age Youth Peer Specialist: Bucks County LIFE

Do you have a passion to provide your peers support as they navigate challenges in a key time of life?

Access Services is hiring a Transition Age Youth Peer Specialist to serve in our Bucks County LIFE program, providing services to youth and young adults across the Bucks County region. Our office is based out of the Warminster, PA area.

As a Transition Age Youth Peer Specialist, you will support youth, transition age youth, and young adults (ages 14-26) by first understanding their experience as a person who also has a lived mental health experience. You will assist and guide young adults served who are navigating and connecting with those resources and services developed for them. Your goal will be to empower and educate youth and young adults to work with the school and agencies that support them, and ultimately thrive within their community.

Work Schedule: Part Time or Full Time (candidate preference)

• Part Time (25-30 hours), with some flexibility to meet the needs of people served.
• Full Time: If full time hours are desired, the Transition Age Youth Peer Specialist may also provide Certified Peer Specialist supports to another young adult program in Bucks County– the Transition to Independence (TIP) Program.
• Learn about Bucks County LIFE: Bucks LIFE Program - Access Services 
• Learn about the Transition to Independence Program (TIP): Transition to Independence Program (TIP) - Access Services 

Requirements

Key Responsibilities of Transition Age Youth Peer Specialist:

• Provide essential youth support and mentoring, acting as professional staff that liaison between youth/young adult and parent/caregiver, school and community.

• Support youth and family through phone contact, email and direct service. Accompany youth and young adults to team meetings, school meetings, and other appointments as needed.

• Participate in county and family meetings in regard to reviews, service planning and educational needs (IEP’s, 504’s, etc.)

• Collaborate with external county partners and internal agency programs to advocate in helping youth/young adults and families navigate systems that offer support to youth and young adults with diagnosed or suspected mental health concerns.

• Understand and use WRAP, person-centered planning, and transition-age youth (TAY) best practices when working with youth and young adults.

• Collaborate with external county partners and internal agency programs to provide excellent continuous service to every individual youth and young adult.

• Operate a motor vehicle safely as outlined in the Motor Vehicle Policy. 

Requirements and Qualifications:

Education: High school diploma or GED required.

Certification: PA State Board CPS certification (preferred).

Experience:

-Have a personal experience with mental health concerns

-Have utilized Mental Health supports and system services

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

- Excellent organizational and oral/written communication skills

- Ability to effectively interact with all levels of staff and as part of a team

- Ability to effectively handle multiple priorities

- Knowledge of various disabilities, and an interest in the field of social work

- Be able to establish trusting relationships with teens/peers

Benefits

Pay: $17-$18.50/hourly

All employees receive the following benefits:

• Mileage Reimbursement, paid travel time between worksites
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Referral Bonuses
• Ongoing Training

• Discounts on various services, perks with local Credit Unions, college tuition discounts

If working 20 hours or more, benefits also include:

• Paid Time Off, Tuition reimbursement, 401k match program.

If working 30+ hours per week, benefits also include:

• Health, Vision, Rx, & Dental insurances
• 401k match, Tuition Reimbursement, Student Loan Assistance
• 20 Days Paid Time Off plus additional time with continued service. Paid Holiday Time. Catastrophic Sick Leave (CSL)
• Company Paid Life Insurance, Short & Long Term Disability

Access Services is an equal opportunity employer.

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