Trainer, Youth Peer Support

Public Consulting Group LLC (PCG) is a leading public sector solutions implementation and operations improvement firm that partners with health, education, and human services agencies to improve lives. Founded in 1986, PCG employs approximately 2,000 professionals throughout the U.S.—all committed to delivering solutions that change lives for the better. The firm is a member of a family of companies with experience in all 50 states, and clients in three Canadian provinces and Europe. PCG offers clients a multidisciplinary approach to meet challenges, pursue opportunities, and serve constituents across the public sector. To learn more, visit www.publicconsultinggroup.com.

Duties & Responsibilities

The Maine Center of Excellence (COE) for Innovative Systems and Practice in Behavioral Health is to increase the capacity and quality of specific practices (i.e. HFW, Family Peer Support and Youth Peer Support) provided throughout the State of Maine.   As part of this effort, the COE is developing the expertise and capacity to support Youth Peer Support Specialists across the State of Maine in their work.  Public Consulting Group serves as the Provider for the COE and is seeking to fill the position of Trainer and Coach for Youth Peer Support

As a Trainer and Coach for Youth Peer Support (YPS-LC), you will be responsible for training, coaching, and providing technical assistance to assist youth peer support specialists and their supervisors, in the local provider community.    The YPS-LC will train and coach youth peer support specialist (YPSs) and their supervisors in the local provider community that provide intentional, authentic support to children and youth with emotional, behavioral, mental health and/or substance use challenges to learn and fully implement the Peer Connect Model of Youth Peer Support, in their work.  Required tasks of this position are as follows:

• Participate in all required training and coaching pertaining to Peer Connect that is   provided by Youth MOVE National, and any other required training as identified by the State of Maine, and/or PCG.
• Complete and maintain Peer Connect certification and attend ongoing training within required timeframes to maintain certification.
• Complete train-the-trainer process and participate in annual certification.
• Facilitate Peer Connect training, Co-Reflections, and ongoing professional development sessions for Youth Peer Support Specialists and their supervisors in the local provider community. 
• Respond to assigned requests for technical assistance and consultation in a timely manner.
• Communicate regularly, in person or virtually, with participating organizations and both the COE implementation team and local implementation teams
• Complete monthly data entry by keeping thorough records of those YPSs and their supervisors who are involved in Peer Connect to ensure the COE has records of who has fully completed all aspects of the Learning Collaborative Model and who is still in need of any required parts of certification.
• Employ a variety of adult learning concepts to appeal to a range of learning preferences resulting in effective engagement of participants of varying learning needs.
• Network and build relationships with state and organizational leadership to build interest in partnering around successful implementation efforts.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of training through established evaluation measures.  Uses evaluation data to grow skill.
• Utilize identified tools and resources from Youth MOVE National, and otherwise to provide coaching support to youth peer specialists and supervisors.
• Assure confidentiality and the rights of youth families as outlined in the agency’s standards, policies, and procedures.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills

• Establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with internal staff, community resources and stakeholders.
• Must be able to engage and collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Possess training and group facilitation skills.
• Demonstrate active listening skills and validate experiences of others, using person-first and strength-based language.
• Possess excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Possess excellent conflict resolution and crisis management skills through effective communication, active listening, practicing empathy, problem solving, and maintaining a positive attitude.
• Comfort with virtual convening’s and building of relationships online.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suites and related software applications, such as Adobe, Teams, and Zoom.

Qualifications

Education

• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Development, Education, Public/Business Administration, Communications, or discipline appropriate to training being conducted.

• Minimum:  High School Diploma or GED

Experience

• Required:  Relevant lived experience and/or professional experience within the System of Care (Mental/Behavioral Health, Child Welfare, or Juvenile Justice) and the ability and willingness to share those relevant experiences to strengthen peer relationships.

• Preferred:  A minimum of one (1) year in the role of a Youth Peer Support Specialist.

Certification

• Certification will occur during the course of employment

Working Conditions

• Travel time is approximately 50 percent.
• Must have reliable transportation to travel throughout the State of Maine to conduct observations and deliver technical assistance and support to Youth Peer Specialist providers.
• The position will allow for a remote workplace.  The position requires flexible hours including  Some evening/weekend availability based on the needs of the local providers and families receiving Wraparound and possible overnight travel depending on the training schedule.

Compensation:

Compensation for roles at Public Consulting Group varies depending on a wide array of factors including, but not limited to, the specific office location, role, skill set, and level of experience.  As required by applicable law, PCG provides a reasonable range of compensation for this role. In addition, PCG provides a range of benefits for this role, including medical and dental care benefits, 401k, PTO, parental leave, bereavement leave.

Range: $52,500 - $62,500

PCG does not sponsor newly hired foreign national workers for work authorization, including H-1B sponsorship.

EEO Statement:

Public Consulting Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to celebrating diversity and intentionally creating a culture of inclusion. We believe that we work best when our employees feel empowered and accepted, and that starts by honoring each of our unique life experiences. At PCG, all aspects of employment regarding recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, transfers, layoffs, return from layoff, company-sponsored training, education, and social and recreational programs are based on merit, business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social, or ethnic origin, sex, gender identity and/or expression, age, physical, mental, or sensory disability, sexual orientation, marital, civil union, or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, citizenship status, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. PCG will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. PCG believes in health, equality, and prosperity for everyone so we can succeed in changing the ways the public sector, including health, education, technology and human services industries, work.