• Outreach to diverse communities to identify a minimum of two, maximum of six, Grassroots Organizations throughout the region interested in collaborating to grow a diverse and equitable family and youth peer workforce. • Subcontract with minimum of two, maximum of six, Grassroots Organizations. • Gather stakeholder feedback in the planning process. • Lead efforts to raise community awareness of mental health needs in youth and provide education and training on the role and function of Youth and Family Peer Advocates. • Educate the subcontracted Grassroots Organizations on the value and importance of peer services and the practical application and utilization of peer support roles. • Support subcontracted Grassroots Organizations to deliver in-person outreach sessions to encourage conversations and raise community awareness of mental health needs and wellness in youth and the role and function of Youth and Family Peer Advocates. • Provide written material, technical assistance and offer guidance in the planning and implementation of these sessions. Active participation in the sessions is not required. All marketing, outreach, engagement, and orientation must be done with cultural sensitivity and trauma responsive approaches. • Coordinate and collaborate with subcontracted nonprofits to identify individuals interested in becoming Youth or Family Peer Advocates. • Provide linkages to/offer employment options to individuals who receive a provisional Family or Youth Peer credential through partnerships with a wide array of mental health agencies so that they may continue to gain the experience necessary to receive their professional credential. • Manage peer incentive/stipend. Each individual that signs up for the peer credentialing through this initiative has the opportunity to receive three stipends. The first, in the amount of $250, will be issued to the individual upon registering and completing Level 1 of the Advocate Credentialing Pathway. The second stipend, in the amount of $500, will be issued to the individual upon receipt of their provisional youth or family peer credential. The third and final stipend in the amount of $1500 will be issued as an employment bonus to the youth/family peers that have been connected to employment through this initiative and are beginning to offer peer services under their provisional certification.
