Young Adult Peer Supporter (Teen Talk Lines)

Are you a young adult who is passionate about suicide prevention and supporting your peers with mental health needs? Do you have lived experience with mental health, the ability to drive, and a desire to grow your leadership skills by mentoring and training others?

Access Services is hiring a part-time Young Adult Peer Supporter in our Plymouth Meeting, PA office to join our Teen Talk Lines as part of our Crisis Prevention programs across Montgomery and Chester Counties. This position is formally known as Young Adult Certified Peer Specialist.

The Teen Talk Lines is a warm line where teens in Montgomery County and Chester County can text or talk on the phone anonymously with a a peer counselor about any problems they are facing, without fear of judgment. As a Young Adult Peer Supporter, you will make an impact in the lives of Montgomery and Chester County youth every day. You will be skilled as an active listener, able to demonstrate empathy toward youth from all walks of life, and willing using your own life experience to connect with individuals who are struggling. You will use your emerging leadership skills in order to be able to run a club with youth and also to be able to mentor, train, and develop youth volunteers.

Visit our Facebook page to get a glimpse of what we do!
https://www.facebook.com/peersupportandteentalkline

Work Schedule: Part Time: Monday 1-9pm, Wednesday 1-9pm, Saturday 1-9pm

*Our Teen Talk Lines are open 7 days a week, from 1pm-9pm.

*Please note that this is not a remote position*

Key Responsibilities of Young Adult Peer Supporter:

• Answer telephone calls and text messages, exhibiting empathy and active listening skills
• Complete daily logs and required documentation in a timely manner
• Communicate with supervisors effectively, accurately, and in a timely manner
• As needed, offer support to individuals developing recovery/WRAP plans
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance
• Ensure own proper conduct and fair representation of Access Services
• As needed, respond to teens reaching out on the Teen Talk Line
• Potential travel to fairs, community events, and to lead Teen Talk Line Clubs in local high schools.

Qualifications of Young Adult Peer Supporter:

• High school diploma or GED (required)
• 1+ years of personal experience with mental health challenges (required)
• Completed Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) or Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS) certification is required, or the willingness to complete this training within the first six months of hire.
• Eligibility to be a candidate for this position requires being falling in the range of 18-25 years of age to meet our contractual requirement for a young adult supporting their peers calling in on the Teen Talk Lines. 
• Eligible candidates will be selected for hire based on meeting all requirements, skills, and abilities to carry out the responsibilities of the position.
• Some experience supporting teens with mental illness (preferred)

Driving Requirements

• A valid US driver’s license for at least two years, not including time with permit.
• No serious traffic convictions within the past three years. (Serious convictions include, but are not limited to, DUI, reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, or three or more traffic violations and/or at-fault accidents within that period).
• Access to a reliable vehicle during work hours. Vehicle must have valid registration and inspection stickers.
• Valid auto insurance. You will be asked to provide proof that you are a covered driver on the policy.

Essential Working Conditions/Physical Demands: 

• Utilize desktop computer equipment on a daily basis.  

• Able to lift or move items associated with sedentary work and light work (exert up to 20 lbs.).  

Pay: $18.50/hour, with CPS and/or CRS certification, and increases based on education and experience

Our comprehensive benefits package for ALL PART-TIME EMPLOYEES includes:

• Paid Time Off, 401K match
• Mileage Reimbursement, Paid travel time between worksites 
• Tuition reimbursement, College tuition discounts 
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 
• Referral Bonuses 
• Ongoing Training 
• Credit Union perks, retail discounts

Access Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.