Health Education Peer Specialist

Part-Time - 17 Hours Per Week / 52 Weeks Per Year

Schedule Hours Vary

Grade 11

ABOUT THE POSITION

Looking for a chance to make a difference?

As a Peer Specialist, you'll play an important role in supporting and empowering youth in your community. Through comprehensive sexual health education, outreach, leadership opportunities, and peer support, you'll help connect young people to resources, encourage healthy decision-making, and create welcoming spaces where youth can learn, grow, and thrive. This position is perfect for young adults who are passionate about helping others, sexual health and reducing stigma, and want to be a positive influence among their peers.

JOB SUMMARY

Peer Specialist position involves working as part of a team with the project partners and Health Education Advocates in the provision of services and education to youth on sexual health topics and issues. Services include: community education, recruitment, program development & implementation, crisis intervention, direct peer services, group activities with youth, Drop-in Center activities and outreach. Position also includes attending various meetings where youth participation is essential.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs outreach services in community and on the street;
• Assists in assessing and provision of services that meet client needs;
• Guides youth in decision making process;
• Provides referrals to other community services for youth;
• Completes program forms and documentation as required;
• Participates as a Youth Leader in activities and meetings;
• Encourages youth participation, assists in planning and facilitating with groups for youth;
• Develops and maintains positive community relationships;
• Informs community about runaway, homeless and street-involved youth;
• Delivers Individual Evidence Based Interventions (EBIs) & co-facilitates EBIs;
• Complies with all Program and Department Policies.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Must display maturity, have a desire to work with adolescents and have the ability to work in a supportive and non-judgmental manner;
• Must be able to follow direction and be self-motivated;
• Must exhibit good judgment;
• Must have good communication skills;
• Must maintain confidentiality with regard to client issues;
• Must work well along side of adults and youth;
• Must be resourceful, imaginative and creative;
• Must be willing to learn and grow;
• Must be flexible with work schedule;
• Must have acceptable physical and mental health to carry out the responsibilities of the position;
• Must have reliable means to get to and from worksite.           

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Relevant experience, education or training.
• Age requirement for this position ranges from 16-24 years old.

Oswego County Opportunities, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, creed, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.