Crisis Youth Peer Support Supervisor

Job Description

Job Description

About Delaware Guidance Services

Delaware Guidance Services for Children and Youth, Inc. (DGS) is the largest provider of outpatient behavioral health services to children and families in Delaware. We operate offices in Wilmington, Newark, Dover, Lewes, and Seaford, and we are the only statewide not-for-profit outpatient behavioral health organization for children and adolescents accredited by JCAHO. In 2020, we were honored as a Compassionate Champion for our dedication to serving youth and families using a trauma-informed approach.

Through DGS, clients and families have access to outpatient counseling, group therapy, parent-child interaction therapy, and school-based services. Our community-based service lines serve youth and families who require a more intense therapeutic protocol. DGS’ 24-hour statewide Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS) dispatches skilled crisis intervention clinicians to provide immediate care to children experiencing behavioral health crises. Therapeutic options are available for a wide range of diagnoses including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders, traumatic stress-related disorders, and suicidal ideation. In 2021, DGS clinicians provided over 54,000 direct care hours to children, youth, and families in Delaware. Over 93% of clients report improvement in their level of functioning following treatment, and therapeutic benefits derived from trauma-informed care extend to clients’ siblings, caregivers, classmates, and peers.

Our client population is racially and ethnically diverse; 80% of DGS clients are Medicaid recipients and 90% have household incomes under $30,000. Many of our clients present with significant treatment challenges including learning impacts due to missed school and negative economic impact due to parental missed work. We provide care to anyone in need, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay for care. DGS also provides services specifically tailored to meet the unique behavioral health care needs of child welfare-involved families and foster youth

Why Work at Delaware Guidance Services?

DGS strives to build a collaborative, flexible, and client-focused work environment. Employee wellness is a top priority. In addition to offering flexible work arrangements, DGS offers a comprehensive and competitive employee benefits package including the following:

• Competitive Compensation
• Incentive Pay for Specific Roles
• Generous Paid Time Off (starting at 44 days of paid leave a year)
• Up to 6% Annual Contribution to Your Retirement Fund
• Free Professional Development Opportunities
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Life and Long-term Disability Insurance

Position Highlights:

• Generous benefits and time off policies
• Ability to work with children through a mission driven organization
• Flexible work environment

Position Description:

Summary/objective

Under the supervision of the Crisis Integrated Services Coordinator, the Youth Peer Support Supervisor will oversee and support the Youth Peer Support Specialists, ensuring the provision of high-quality, trauma-informed peer support services for youth experiencing urgent psychological and emotional crises. This role includes direct supervision, case review, team coordination, and ensuring compliance with organizational policies and funding requirements. The Supervisor will also collaborate with stakeholders to enhance service effectiveness and staff development. The ideal candidate will have experience working in crisis management or child/youth services, possess strong leadership skills, and have the ability to foster a supportive and collaborative team environment.

Essential functions:

Supervision and Staff Development

• Provide direct supervision to Youth Peer Support Specialists, offering guidance, feedback, and professional development opportunities.
• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings and team check-ins to assess staff performance, well-being, and case progress.
• Ensure staff maintain trauma-informed and empathetic interactions with youth, families, and stakeholders.
• Address performance concerns and provide constructive feedback to enhance service delivery.

Program Oversight & Compliance

• Monitor service delivery to ensure alignment with program goals, requirements, and best practices in crisis intervention.
• Review case documentation to ensure accuracy, completeness, and timely submission.
• Assist in the development and implementation of protocols and training programs for Youth Peer Support Specialists.
• Collaborate with the Crisis Clinical Coordinator to address program challenges and enhance service effectiveness.

Crisis Intervention Support

• Provide guidance to Youth Peer Support Specialists during crisis situations, ensuring appropriate risk assessment and response strategies.
• Support staff in utilizing peer-based interventions that align with therapeutic crisis intervention models.
• Offer debriefing and emotional support to team members following crisis situations.

Stakeholder Communication & Coordination

• Serve as a liaison between Youth Peer Support Specialists and external stakeholders, including clinicians, families, and community organizations.
• Facilitate collaboration among team members and coordinate efforts to stabilize crisis situations effectively.
• Represent the program in meetings and discussions with internal and external partners.

Competencies/ Capabilities:

• Crisis Management: Ability to effectively assess and manage urgent, high-stress situations while providing emotional support and practical solutions.
• Collaboration: Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills.
• Problem Solving: Capacity to think critically and find solutions quickly in complex, time-sensitive situations.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Empathy and Compassion: A compassionate approach to working with children and families in crisis, with an understanding of trauma and mental health issues.
• Cultural Competency: Understanding and respecting the diversity of youth and families served, and providing services in a culturally sensitive manner.

Supervisory responsibilities: Youth Peer Support Specialists

Work environment: Office based, travel between sites as needed, travel within community to support staff, partial telecommuting with approval

Physical demands:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• May be requested to lift up to 15 pounds periodically

Travel required: schools, client homes, community agencies, etc.

Minimum qualifications:

• Lived experience as a person with mental health and/or crisis situations
• Minimum 2 years experience as a Peer Support or Mentor
• Minimum 2 years supervisory experience
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record

Preferred qualifications:

• Certified Peer Support Specialist
• Experience supervising or mentoring peer support staff or similar roles
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed care and crisis intervention strategies
• Associates or Bachelors degree in a psychology, human services, or a related field
• Experience working in a 24/7 crisis response program
• Bilingual (Spanish-English) language skills are a plus

EEO:

Delaware Guidance Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Other duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.