Certified Youth Peer Specialist

Nexus Family Healing

. Meet with youth before discharge to build trust and understand their background .

Posted 10/20/2026full-timeMendota Heights • Minnesota • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $20 - $23 per hourWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in building trust and rapport with youth while implementing personalized care plans. Proficient in advocating for youth, connecting them with community resources, and supporting their personal and professional growth.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Youth Or Family Peer Specialist CertificationDemonstrated Lived Experience With Adolescent ChallengesInterpersonal MaturityEmotional IntelligenceValid Driver's License

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Personalized Care PlansLife Skills SupportJob Search AssistanceFinancial GuidanceCommunity Resource Connection

Soft Skills

Active ListeningEmpathyTrust BuildingBoundary SettingSupportive Relationships

Certifications & Qualifications

Youth Or Family Peer Specialist CertificationDHS Background Check

Industry Keywords

Foster CareResidential TreatmentJuvenile JusticeTrauma-Informed CareMental Health Crisis

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Meet with youth before discharge to build trust and understand their background
Identify key information to share with the care team for planning
Help find suitable placements by working with families, foster care, or other residences
Encourage caregivers to support youth and explain available program resources
Work with the care team to create and carry out personalized care plans
Maintain regular communication with youth and team members
Support youth in building life skills, including job search, finances, schoolwork, and driving
Help youth overcome barriers to reach personal and professional goals
Connect youth with community resources supporting care plan goals
Listen actively to understand youth challenges and provide guidance
Build trust through empathy and shared experiences while maintaining boundaries
Encourage growth and independence through supportive relationships
Advocate for youth by celebrating progress and creating new opportunities
Conduct regular check-ins and share updates with the care team

Requirements

What you’ll need

High School Diploma or GED
MUST have a completed Youth or Family Peer Specialist Certification; this does NOT include the Peer Recovery Certification
Demonstrated lived experience coping with adolescent challenges, such as foster care, residential treatment, juvenile justice, or a transferable or relatable experience to ongoing youth struggles
Demonstrated interpersonal maturity and emotional intelligence
Ability to create trust and rapport with clients while setting clear, definitive, and healthy boundaries
Valid driver’s license required
Access to reliable transportation required
Must meet state regulating agency and Home Office driving requirements
Must successfully pass a DHS background check
Preferred: Bachelor’s Degree
Preferred: Previous experience working with youth who have experienced trauma and/or a mental health crisis

Benefits

Comp & perks

Four weeks paid time off (PTO) in the first year of employment
Multiple options for health insurance coverage
No-cost life insurance
Short/long-term disability insurance
401k match
Talkspace Therapy Benefit for the whole family
Hinge Health Benefit for the whole family
Carrot Fertility Benefit
Tuition assistance and training opportunities
Advancement pathways and internal promotion