Are you excited by the prospect of working for an organization that truly values your contributions, provides opportunities for growth and development, fosters diversity, equality, inclusion AND gives you a chance to make a difference in the lives of children and families?

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

The Peer Youth Coach is a non-exempt position responsible for providing ongoing support to youth and their families who are experiencing legal involvement by using personal experience to serve in a mentor role. The Peer Youth Coach works in conjunction with trained Youth Engagement Coaches to provide outreach, engagement and referrals. The served youth have significant behavioral and emotional difficulties, requiring extensive support and individualized services to reduce recidivism with legal involvement, overcome systemic barriers and successfully connect and engage in wrap-around services.

• Provide an in-person response to youth and their families, as well as their formal/informal support network with law enforcement.
• Support and guide personal development and assist with introspection, goal setting and improving aspects of the youth’s life.
• Identify barriers, both systemic and personal, and find solutions to overcome these challenges.
• Provide information, referral and follow-up appropriate ancillary community counseling, psychiatric services, financial, employment, parenting, housing and other services deemed appropriate to meet client and family needs.
• Coordinate with client, family and community members to ensure client’s needs are met
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• $16.83 per hour
• 15 PTO Days per year
• 13 Paid Holidays
• Medical, Dental & Vision insurance
• Healthcare Concierge
• Financial Wellness Program
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
• Immediate eligibility for 403b Savings Plan with 25% match
• Supplementary Accident, Hospital Indemnity and Specified Disease insurance
• Paid Life/AD&D insurance
• Pet, Legal and Identity Theft programs
• Continuous training and professional development opportunities
• Mileage Reimbursement
• An opportunity to make the world a better place!

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Certified Peer Specialist, preferred.
• Demonstrates personal experience with mental health and/or substance use and successful recovery management.
• Ability to work in a stressful environment under sometimes difficult client situations including potential exposure to clients who may be verbally and/or physically aggressive.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office suite or related software and Electronic Health Records.
• Must possess strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Must obtain/maintain CPR and First-Aid certifications.
• Must have a valid drivers’ license with auto insurance coverage.

WHO WE ARE:

From babies to seniors, Gulf Coast JFCS serves all people in need, regardless of race, religion, culture or gender identity. Our programs span a broad human service spectrum, from behavioral and mental health, child welfare and adoption, family support, job and employment transition, housing, food, transportation or home care assistance for the elderly.

GCJFCS offers an opportunity to gain field experience and direct client contact hours for both Bachelor’s and Master’s level practicum and internships. For license-eligible candidates, we offer both individual and group supervision from a Board-Certified qualified supervisor to fulfill state requirements at no cost to the employee.

Gulf Coast JFCS is an equal opportunity employer. Gulf Coast JFCS is committed to maintaining a work environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, or inappropriate behavior. Gulf Coast JFCS will not tolerate discrimination against its employees on the basis of their race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity, sexual orientation, workers’ compensation status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

EOE/Drug-Free Workplace/ E-Verify