GPS Y.E.S. Program Youth Peer Volunteer

Save to Favorites

Guided Pathways - Support for Youth and Families (GPS) is currently recruiting young adults ages 18 to 35 to be training for our Youth Empower Support (Y.E.S.) program. Y.E.S empowers and supports youth and young adults ages 11 to 24 struggling with behavioral, emotional, mental health and/or substance abuse challenges. Y.E.S is dedicated to supporting the youth we serve in exploring, identifying and underpinning of the struggles they may be experiencing. We strive with excellence on building up our youth and young adults strengths by being strength focused as well as giving and receiving peer support to achieve wellness, recovery and resiliency. This person brings an understanding of the difficulties that youth may be having and can guide them through life challenges. Minorities and LTGBQ young adults ages 18-30 are strongly encouraged to apply. If you ever wanted to be part of a dynamic and positive team, GPS is the place for you!

To qualify for this position volunteers must commit to 8-90 minute training sessions/Leadership Academy in order to become a certified GPS Y.E.S Program Youth Peer Volunteer. Upon completion of training volunteers will be assigned weekly volunteer schedule depending on volunteer’s availability and scheduled program times.

About Us

Guided Pathways - Support for Youth and Families (GPS) is a King County-based, non-profit, family support organization founded with the sponsorship of the King County Mental Health, Chemical Abuse and Dependency Services Division (MHCADSD). Our mission is:

We are families helping families. We empower and support families and youth struggling with behavioral, emotional or substance abuse challenges in navigating resources to achieve wellness and resilience.

Qualifications:

The Y.E.S Program Youth Peer should have professional or volunteer experience in the following areas:

• Excellent communication skills in-person and on the phone
• Good relationship building skills and ability to maintain constructive relationship boundaries with mentee, mentee’s family and GPS staff
• Tolerance and openness to different world views and sensitivity to other cultures, languages and sexual orientations
• Responsible, committed to the position and a good listener
• Ability and commitment to maintain confidentiality and act in a manner that is consistent with GPS policies and procedures
• Enjoy working with peers and youth
• Able to act as a cheerleader, coach and advocate for peers and youth

• Satisfactory criminal background and driving record checks, and proof of car insurance (if using a car).

• A Team Player

Commitment:

• Youth Peers should bring a passion for working with youth affected by emotional, mental and substance abuse issues

• Inform the Lead Parent Partner and Youth Program Peer Coordinator of any changes in peer’s behavior, concerns or questions

• Track time and report hours monthly to the volunteer coordinator.

• Participate in program evaluations (pre-survey and post-survey)

• Must commit to the position ahead of time and go through an orientation, training and thorough background check.

• Understand and make a written commitment to follow the GPS Volunteer Handbook

• Meet weekly with groups of youth for 1-2 hours weekly between the hours of 9am-5pm

• Attend monthly mentor/peer group meetings and trainings

Supervision

The Lead Parent Partner and Youth Peer Program Coordinator will provide ongoing supervision and be available for consultation.

All Y.E.S Program Youth Peers must fill out a GPS Volunteer Application and pass a background check prior to any duties.

Volunteer Mentor Benefits

• Opportunity to serve and share from one’s own life experience.

• Gain satisfaction of working with youth during formative years of development

• Opportunity for new experiences and meeting new people.

• Learn and appreciate diverse cultures and backgrounds.

• Get credit for High School Volunteer hours.

  If you enjoy working in an environment with positive people and collaborating with like-minded young adults that want to make a positive difference in the community and in the lives of those we serve, GPS is the place for you!