Youth Peer Support Specialist

Youth ERA is an Oregon-based non-profit that creates lasting positive change in the lives of young people and the systems that serve them. By uniting a diverse collective of young adults and organizations around innovative solutions, Youth Era impacts thousands each year. The work we do is fueled by a deep sense of dedication to our staff, the young people we serve, and the system partners we collaborate with, who give their time and voices to empower young lives and improve our communities. Every day, our team creates positive change in countless ways. Whether we're providing one-on-one support to a young person in need, developing programs and resources that help young people thrive, or working with system partners to create change at a broader level, we're driven by our mission to empower and uplift the next generation. Join us and be part of the change! 100% employer-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision group health insurance. 403b retirement plan. Employee assistance program. Generous paid time off plan. Enjoy 12 paid holidays, including your birthday. Are you passionate about helping your peers overcome their mental health and life challenges? Do you have firsthand experience with mental health, addiction/recovery, incarceration/juvenile justice, Oregon Youth Authority, foster care, education, or LGBTQ+ communities? If so, we want YOU to join our team at Youth Era! We strongly encourage applicants to provide a cover letter as it allows them to showcase their personality, passion, and specific qualifications for the position they are applying for. Research shows that women and BIPOC individuals are often hesitant to apply for positions unless they feel confident they can fulfill every task outlined in the job description. At our organization, our priority is to find the most qualified candidate for the job. We recognize the value of diverse experiences and perspectives, and we're committed to considering any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience. Position Summary Work Schedule: Full-Time (40hr/week) Position Type: 1 FTE Description: The Youth Peer Support Specialist (YPSS) provides culturally responsive, trauma-informed peer support services to youth ages 14–21. This role is rooted in lived experience and the values of positive youth development, harm reduction, and peer leadership. YPSS staff create safe, affirming, and youth-driven spaces both at the Drop-in Center and through mobile ‘Pop-Drop’ outreach, ensuring that all youth have access to support on their own terms. YPSS are not authority figures, but trusted peers who share lived experience and provide individualized support, group facilitation, crisis response, and resource navigation. Application Process At Youth ERA, we take our hiring process seriously to ensure we find the right candidate for the job. Our interview process typically consists of two stages: an initial phone interview, followed by a secondary Zoom interview with the hiring supervisors. However, the process may be subject to change based on management's decision, and in some cases, an onsite meet and greet may be required to make a final decision. We appreciate your interest in joining our team at Youth ERA. For more information about our organization, please visit our website at Equal Opportunity Employer Statement At Youth ERA, we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all our employees and applicants for employment. We strictly prohibit any form of discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. We believe in creating a workplace that values diversity, promotes inclusivity, and respects the rights of all individuals. Trauma-Informed Care Statement At Youth ERA, we're committed to providing trauma-informed care to youth in our community, and this commitment also extends to our staff. We believe that by prioritizing trauma-informed care in all aspects of our organization, we can create a workplace that's supportive, inclusive, and empowering for everyone. With this mindset, we aim to grow our team's resilience so we can, in turn, provide the best possible care, support, and experience to our youth participants. Specific Responsibilities Include One-on-one Peer Support: Provide individualized emotional support, mentorship, and goal-setting tailored to each youth’s needs. Peer-Led Groups & Workshops: Facilitate identity-affirming groups (e.g., LGBTQIA2S+, BIPOC affinity spaces), skill-building workshops, and life skills programming. Crisis Response & De-Escalation: Offer immediate, non-judgmental intervention during emotional distress or mental health crises. System Navigation: Help youth access housing, education, employment, healthcare, and other community resources. Maintain Youth-Led Spaces: Foster safe, inclusive, and engaging environments at the Drop-in Center and during mobile outreach. Rural Outreach: Deliver peer support through Pop-Drop programming in Sandy, Molalla, Canby, and Oregon City. Affirming Gear & Harm Reduction: Provide access to affirming gear (e.g., binders, tucking garments) with education on safe use; distribute harm reduction supplies such as Narcan and fentanyl test strips. Identity-Affirming & Trauma-Informed Support: Offer discreet, confidential support for closeted or unsafe youth, including safety planning and private check-ins. Community Engagement: Support youth advisory councils, school partnerships, and outreach events that normalize mental health, promote recovery, and reduce stigma. Data & Compliance: Document services in Fidelity EHR, ensuring accurate tracking of encounters, crisis interventions, and youth outcomes in line with county and OHA standards. Requirements Identification as a peer with lived experience in youth-serving systems (e.g., mental health, recovery, foster care, juvenile justice, LGBTQIA2S+ identity). Ability to build authentic relationships with youth, especially marginalized populations. Willingness to travel across Clackamas County, with flexibility to work evenings and weekends. Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and insurance. Strong interpersonal and advocacy skills. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and electronic health record systems (Fidelity EHR preferred). Preferred Qualifications Previous experience in peer support, youth leadership, or advocacy. Familiarity with harm reduction, positive youth development, and crisis response. Multilingual, especially Spanish/English. CPR, First Aid, and Oregon Food Handler’s certifications (or willingness to obtain). Preferred Certifications Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification. Professional Development and Support Enrollment in Youth Era’s Peer Plus certification and other required OHA-approved trainings. Ongoing supervision and coaching from certified peer supervisors. Annual $500 professional development allowance. Trauma-informed, supportive workplace culture with wellness resources. #J-18808-Ljbffr Youth Era