Experienced Youth Partner for Behavioral Health Services – Remote Opportunity in North Carolina to Empower Children and Youth

Introduction to Vaya Health and the Role

Vaya Health is a leading organization dedicated to providing high-quality behavioral health services to children, youth, and families in North Carolina. As part of our commitment to delivering exceptional care, we are seeking an experienced and passionate Youth Partner to join our team. This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and youth who are engaged in or at risk of needing behavioral health services. The successful candidate will have lived experience as a recipient of child/adolescent behavioral health services and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that come with navigating these systems.

About the Position

The Youth Partner will provide direct support to children and youth, aged 21 and younger, who reside in Alamance, Caswell, Chatham, Person, Rockingham, or Stokes counties. This role is part of the SAMHSA-funded Changing Systems Through Youth and Family Leadership project, which aims to improve child and youth behavioral health outcomes and wellbeing. The Youth Partner will work closely with System of Care Coordinators, Family Partners, and other stakeholders to identify individual, community, and state-level strengths, gaps, goals, and opportunities to build and enhance youth involvement and inclusion in the behavioral health system.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide ongoing support to children and youth, including accompanying them to appointments, meetings, and court hearings, and assisting them in understanding and connecting with services.
• Work in collaboration with Child and Family Team (CFT) members, service providers, Natural Supports, and Vaya Health Complex Care Managers to best meet the needs of children/youth.
• Link children/youth to activities and organizations in their communities to support sustained community connection and engagement.
• Engage children/youth in activities designed to help them identify their Natural Support system and develop and sustain those relationships.
• Promote respect, understanding, and elevation of children's/youth's beliefs around culture, ethnicity, religion, and gender, and recognize the impact of these beliefs.
• Protect the privacy and confidentiality of children/youth.

Leadership and Advocacy

The Youth Partner will utilize strategies to provide and enhance leadership opportunities for children/youth involved in the behavioral health system. This will include recruiting youth to participate on local Community Collaboratives and/or youth advisory councils, linking children/youth with local youth advocacy organizations, and advocating for and supporting the inclusion of youth in SOC-related policy-development workgroups and legislative processes.

Data Collection and Project Teams

The Youth Partner will support the project's data collection objectives through timely completion of National Outcomes Measures (NOMS) and other required screening tools with children and youth. They will also serve actively on the project's Project Implementation Team (PIT), Governance Board, "Tri-Care Teams" with Family Partners and SOC Coordinators, local child collaboratives, and the NC State Collaborative for Children, Youth, and Families.

Essential Qualifications and Education Requirements

To be successful in this role, you will need:

• A high school diploma or GED.
• Personal/lived experience with child/adolescent behavioral health services and mental health supports.
• At least one (1) year of experience in the workforce.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Proficient working knowledge of System of Care values and practices.
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office.

Preferred Qualifications

While not essential, the following qualifications are highly desirable:

• Experience working with children and youth in a behavioral health setting.
• Knowledge of available community resources and ability to link children/youth to these resources.
• General knowledge of serious emotional disturbances in youth and the social, economic, and environmental conditions of the communities, youth, and families served.
• Skills in relating to youth and families served and appraising basic needs.

Career Growth Opportunities and Learning Benefits

At Vaya Health, we are committed to supporting the professional development of our staff. As a Youth Partner, you will have access to a range of training and development opportunities, including:

• SOC-related conferences and workshops.
• Child and Family Teams 01 training.
• Train-the-trainer opportunities.
• Ongoing supervision and support from experienced professionals.

Work Environment and Company Culture

Vaya Health is a dynamic and supportive organization that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are committed to creating a work environment that is collaborative, respectful, and empowering. As a Youth Partner, you will be part of a team that is passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and youth.

Compensation, Perks, and Benefits

We offer a competitive salary and a range of benefits, including:

• Comprehensive health insurance.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth.

Conclusion

If you are a passionate and experienced professional who is committed to empowering children and youth, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. As a Youth Partner with Vaya Health, you will have the chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people and their families. Don't miss out on this opportunity to join a dynamic and supportive team and take your career to the next level.

How to Apply

To apply for this role, please visit our website at https://www.vayahealth.com/about/careers/ and submit your application online. We look forward to hearing from you!