Peer Specialist - Community Engagement & Support
Job Description
Job DescriptionDescription:
The Peer Specialist works with LUK staff and community partners to identify and recruit young people in middle and high school who are at risk for substance misuse/use issues to take part in Project Amp/iDECIDE, a flexible, brief youth-centered curriculum. The Amp Peer Specialist identifies the needs of enrolled youth and their families and connects them to community resources to meet those needs. This position meets with students and families on a regular basis both at school and within their homes, gathering youth/family information via screenings, assessments, and consultation with collateral sources. With the youth/family, the Amp Peer Specialist develops goals for an Individualized Action Plan. Ratings on progress toward these goals as well as discharge planning and implementation are expected. The Amp Peer Specialist mentors youth and works on a team with other Intervention staff to plan and lead activities for youth and their families.
The qualified candidate will be self-identified as being in long-term recovery and have a strong interest in working with adolescents and young adults. Experience working with adolescents/young adults preferred. Knowledge of behavioral health, substance use prevention/intervention, positive youth development, and cultural responsiveness preferred. Strong relationship-building skills required. Excellent communication and computer skills required. Valid driver’s license and own transportation required.
This is a full-time position located in Central Massachusetts and will include community-based travel and implementation. Work schedule must accommodate the needs of the youth/family. Bilingual/bicultural candidates are encouraged to apply.
In addition to very competitive salaries, LUK offers a substantial and unique benefit package found here .
Introduction to LUK, Inc.:
LUK has deep roots in Central Massachusetts. We’re driven by our values and we’re serious about our work. It’s not easy work, but it is rewarding! With Crisis as our middle name (LUK Crisis Center), we are well versed in handling all kinds of issues that may arise. LUK exists to help people thrive – the people we serve and the people who work here. We appreciate creative thinking, uniqueness, and tenacity. We encourage staff to participate in numerous opportunities to grow as an individual and a member of a team, influence others and be influenced, be your best and do your best. We provide individualized services to the people we work with and offer flexibility so that staff can meet responsibilities at work and outside of work. The community is “LUK-y” to have the skills, experience, and talent of our staff!
For more information, please visit our website & social media accounts!
Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn
Requirements:
Purpose:
The Peer Specialist provides strength-based services to youth and their families to support progress toward their goals.
Responsibilities Include:
- Complete training in the Project Amp and iDECIDE curricula and implement the program with youth
- Meet with youth/families at their home, school, or other community-based location regularly
- Maintain communication with youth/families between meetings
- Complete intakes and discharges in a timely manner, to include screening and assessments as well as individual action plan development
- Identify youth/family needs and connect them to community resources to meet those needs (warm hand-off preferred)
- Complete regular reviews of progress toward goals to quantify student/family functioning
- Model skills for youth/families and coach/mentor them to develop their own skills
- Actively participate in supervision and training as required
- Assist with the coordination and marketing of the program within the community
- Assist with internal reports and reports for the program funder
- Gain an understanding and commitment to LUK’s Mission, Vision, and Values and provide congruent clinical services
Knowledge and Experience Required:
- Self-identified as being in long-term recovery
- Strong interest in working with adolescents and young adults
- Knowledge of behavioral health, substance use prevention/intervention, positive youth development, and cultural responsiveness preferred
- Experience working with at-risk youth and families
- Bilingual/bicultural candidates encouraged to apply
Skills and Abilities:
- Cultural Responsiveness
- Strong communication skills
- Computer skills
- Able to work independently and collaboratively on a team
- Internet access for remote work
- Reliable and safe transportation
- Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain mentoring relationships
How to Apply:
Submit a cover letter and resume sharing your interest and unique qualifications for this position to:
Online: Click “Apply for Job” below, fill out demographic information, and attach your resume and cover letter.
Mail: Director of Human Resources
LUK, Inc.
545 Westminster Street
Fitchburg, MA 01420
Email: HR@LUK.org with the subject line “Peer Specialist”
FAX: 978-829-2210
Online: Click “Apply for Job” below, fill out demographic information, and attach your resume and cover letter.
Job Location:
The Amp Peer Specialist will work in North Central Massachusetts with access to office space in Fitchburg. Transportation required. Ability to work remotely on occasion.
Salary Range and Benefits:
Pay Range: 12. Salary Range: $41,600 – $51,500. Salary ranges within each pay grade are based on qualifications, skills, and experience.
Contact LUK’s Human Resources Department for information on our exceptional Benefit Package.
For benefit-eligible positions, LUK provides an extensive and unique benefit package. For more information on LUK’s employment benefits please visit: www.LUK.org/Benefits
Position Overview:
LUK Division: Community Engagement and Support (CES) Services
LUK Component: Intervention Services
Direct Supervisor: Intervention Coordinator
LUK Staffing Category: 9
This position is 40 hours per week
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EOE and Diversity Commitment:
LUK is committed to fostering a welcoming and supportive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our team includes talented professionals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences—from those with firsthand knowledge of the communities we serve to recent graduates and experienced professionals. We believe that bringing together people with different perspectives makes us stronger and better equipped to serve our communities.