Peer Connect New Provider Information
A Youth Support Specialist is a Young adult who has been resilient through their own challenging life experiences. They are trained to develop strong relationships with Youth who experience challenges with the law, school, homelessness, mental health or substance use. Youth Support Specialists use strong healthy relationships as a pathway towards goal attainment and promoting positive youth development. They work with Youth to navigate resources, utilize skills, decrease barriers, and engage young people in leadership to support them to attain their goals. Both YPSS and youth support each other and build connections that help them better navigate their journey to a self-defined, meaningful life.
How do you become a Youth Support Specialist?
In Maine, Youth Support Specialists are hired by Behavioral Health Home (BHH) providers. The Maine COE coordinates all training and coaching for these positions. If you have been recently hired by a BHH provider and need YPS training, click the link below to request a training account. Once your details have been verified, you will receive an automated email with temporary credentials and instructions to complete account set up. The Maine COE portal will guide you step by step through the training process, and you will have access to ongoing technical assistance and coaching.
Request Account
What are the training/state requirements?
Youth Support Specialists (YPS) for Wraparound BHH Services must meet the same requirements as the Youth Support Specialists for BHH Services. In addition, YPS must complete the Peer Connect training series within 12 months of employment.
Training for Youth Peer Supports in Wraparound BHH Services includes:
- Completion of Youth MOVE National's Peer Connect Training
- Participation in Co-Reflections
- Completion of professional development sessions
- Completion of self-led introductory trainings to HFW
- Completion of clinical observations
- Completion of state-specific training, as required
Training for Supervisors of YPS includes:
- Completion of Peer Connect Supervisor Training
- Participation in Youth Peer Support Leadership Learning Communities
- Completion of Professional Development Sessions
There are no prerequisites for Peer Connect. Participants may be currently employed as youth peer providers or brand new to formal youth peer support. We recommend that participants be between the ages of 16 and 30 and plan to support youth and young adults ages 13-30.
Training for Youth Support Specialists
How do I sign up for training?
If you have been recently hired by a BHH provider and need YPS training, click the link below to request a training account. Once your details have been verified, you will receive an automated email with temporary credentials and instructions to complete account set up. The Maine COE portal will guide you step by step through the training process, and you will have access to ongoing technical assistance and coaching.
Request Account