Kennebec Behavioral Health, established in 1960 to provide comprehensive behavioral health services, named one of the Best Places to Work in Maine for the last 4 consecutive years and recently became a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), is seeking a compassionate, motivated and energetic individual to be our first Youth Peer Support Partner. The job will be shared between our Augusta and Waterville clinic, with 20 to 40 hours per week.
The Youth Peer Support Partner is a critical and empowering role within behavioral health, residential, and crisis service settings, offering strength-based, youth-driven support to young people navigating mental health, substance use, or related life challenges. This role is grounded in the unique value of lived experience and peer connection, supporting youth through both one-on-one and group interactions in community, residential, and/or crisis environments. To serve in this role, the Youth Peer Support Partner must be between the ages of 18-26 and self-identify as having personal lived experience with mental health and/or substance use challenges. The Youth Peer Support Partner supports youth in connecting to wellness/recovery opportunities in the community and accessing other community support services of their choice. The position works collaboratively within their program and agency and within the community to support youth in meeting their self-directed life, wellness and/or recovery goals.
QUALIFICATIONS: High School diploma or equivalent required. Must be between 18 to 26 years old, with a personal history of significant mental health/substance use challenges and the willingness to be open about these challenges. Must possess a current driver’s license and reliable transportation with adequate car insurance, as dictated by KBH policy.
The qualified candidate must obtain certification in the identified Youth Peer Support model in the state of Maine within nine (9) months of hire and maintain certification during employment. But may not continue functioning as a Youth Peer Support beyond nine (9) months without: (a) having received provisional certification by completion of the Core training, and (b) continuing pursuit of full certification as a Youth Peer Support and maintaining certification in the identified model according to requirements as defined by SAMHS and/or the State of Maine. Employment is contingent on the above certification guidelines.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE: One-on-one direct peer service and/or group facilitation is preferred. Can model strengths-based interactions and treat all individuals with respect and dignity.
Benefits: KBH is an eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) that provides workers with qualifying employment and loan payments federal student debt forgiveness after 10 years or 120 monthly payments. Other benefits include:
- HEALTH INSURANCE WITH 3 PLAN OPTIONS
- DENTAL AND VISION INSURANCE (PAID BY KBH FOR THE EMPLOYEE)
- LIFE INSURANCE (PAID BY KBH FOR EMPLOYEE)
- SHORT AND LONG TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE (PAID BY KBH)
- 403(b) WITH EMPLOYER MATCH
- PAID TIME OFF TO INCLUDE: 20 DAYS VACATION, 12 HOLIDAYS, 8 SICK DAYS AND 1 PERSONAL DAY
- SUPPORTIVE WORK ENVIORNMENT
- 65.5 CENTS PER MILE FOR TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT
- $40 MONTLY GYM REIMBURSEMENT
- WELLNESS PROGRAMS