Peer Support Representative

Essential Functions:

Participate in all necessary tasks for the Administrative Review Process with DCFS. Provide outreach to youth ages 14-23 and coordinate a regional youth engagement program in region of responsibility with the support of the Program Manager and Life Skills Coaches according to guidance provided by DCFS for the Chafee Foster Care Independence Program (CFCIP).

Responsibilities:

This job requires substantial knowledge of coaching and mentoring to build successful program participants who possess creativity, leadership ability and oral & written communication skills. The AR Peer Support Representative is responsible for participation on the AR panel, review of case plans, support, guidance, and mentoring to young adults going through the AR process, advocating for young adult’s needs participating in EFC program, participate in training on the AR process, provide training to young adults regarding the AR process. If time allows, other responsibilities include outreach and development & implementation, with the support of the Workforce Readiness Manager and Life Skills Coach, of a youth engagement program with a leadership framework.

General Duties:

1. Participate in all necessary tasks for the Administrative Review Process with DCFS to include participation on the AR panel, review of case plans, support, guidance, and mentoring to young adults going through the AR process, advocating for young adult’s needs participating in EFC program, participate in training on the AR process, provide training to young adults regarding the AR process.
2. Participate in 80% of the in-person and phone state board meetings which are held on weekdays and weekends.
3. Participate in program planning and development and serve on related boards and/or task force to improve supportive services for youth and families as requested.
4. Provide feedback regarding the Good Transitions Program, DCFS program development, and the peer support role.
5. Keep the Program Manager informed of unusual and/or crisis situations as they arise.
6. Must be able to maintain accurate documentation, electronic records, and database to ensure tracking of each individual being served.
7. In addition, participate in all other duties below.

Youth Engagement (All ages):

1. Organize a regional youth engagement Skills Building program with other staff support to discuss challenges and strengths of the IL program, provide a peer support network, and discuss challenges and strengths of the foster care program within a leadership framework.
2. Conduct monthly meetings with youth to provide resources to make a successful transition to independent living.
3. Identify yearly goals of the board to include service projects, socialization activities, review and feedback of DCFS policy, and projects to change and strengthen the Independent Living and foster care programs.
4. Obtain feedback from monthly meetings for program manager.
5. Assist youth/young adults in understanding components of recovery and resiliency and in applying skills to achieve life goals.

Young Adults (18-23):

1. Assist in completion of National Youth in Transition Database (NYTD) surveys for all required follow up youth to age 23, if time allows and required duties are completed.
2. Assist youth with competing paperwork and obtaining the necessary documentation as it relates to housing.

Skills and Abilities:

1. Must have excellent organizational skills and be able to complete projects efficiently and independently.
2. Must have excellent communication skills including verbal, phone, word processing, email, and internet.
3. Must have good public relations skills and the ability to work with employees and the public.
4. Must establish and maintain effective working relationships with, and among, all personnel.
5. Must be able to read, write and communicate clearly in English.
6. Must be able to work occasionally long or extended hour, including weekends.
7. Must be able to function in a hectic work environment with occasional periods of high stress.
8. Must maintain strict confidentiality of all information.

Requirements:

1. Must be 18 years old.
2. Must have been in the foster care system.
3. A minimum of High School Diploma or equivalency is required and foster care experience.
4. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
5. Must be proficient in operating a computer and experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), and other social media applications.
6. Must provide own transportation.
7. Must be ambulatory.

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