Youth Peer Advocate

Youth Peer Advocate

Rochester, NY

We are seeking dedicated direct service professionals to serve in our dynamic community-based programs. Compeer programs help those living with mental illness and behavioral health challenges reach their full potential. Caring volunteers and staff help individuals identify and develop strengths, reducing isolation and feelings of loneliness, shattering the stigma around mental health.

Through the power of human connection, Compeer serves as a bridge to better mental health and community integration for all. If you are looking to make a difference in your community, this is the perfect job for you!

www.compeerrochester.org

Salary: $17.50-$21/hr.

Schedule: Flexible per diem, p/t available

Benefits: 401K, EAP, flexible schedule

POSITION DETAILS:

Youth Peer Support (YPS) services are formal and informal services and supports provided to youth with mental health needs in their home, school, placement, and/or community centered services. These services provide the support necessary to ensure engagement and active participation of the youth in the treatment planning process and with the ongoing implementation and reinforcement of skills. Services are delivered in a trauma informed, culturally and linguistically competent manner. The need for YPS must be determined by a licensed practitioner of the healing arts and included within a treatment plan. Youth Peer Support activities must be intended to develop and achieve the identified goals and/or objectives as set forth in the youth’s individualized treatment plan. The structured, scheduled activities provided by this service emphasize the opportunity for the youth to expand the skills and strategies necessary to move forward in meeting their personal, individualized life goals, develop self-advocacy skills, and to support their transition into adulthood.

KEY RESPONSIBILITES:

· Assist clients in developing goals and objectives that are strength and needs based.

· Link client to other agencies and services as needed.

· Document visits in detailed progress notes.

· Model and educate on self-advocacy and systems navigation.

· Developing skills for coping with and managing psychiatric symptoms, trauma, and substance use disorders

· Connecting youth to community resources and services. The YPA may accompany youth to appointments and meetings for the purpose of mentoring and support.

COMPEER VALUES IN ACTION:

· Creating Connections.

· One Team, One Mission

· Sharing Knowledge and Expertise

· Leading By Example

Education/Experience Required:

· Be an individual 18 to 30 years old who has self-identified as a person who has first-hand experience with emotional (mental health), behavioral challenges, and/or co-occurring disorders.

· Be able to use lived experience with a disability, mental illness, and involvement with juvenile justice, special education, substance use disorder, and/or foster care to assist in supporting youth in their resiliency/recovery and wellness.

· At a minimum, have a high school diploma, high school equivalency or a State Education Commencement Credential. This educational requirement can be waived by the certifying agency if the person has demonstrated competencies and has relevant life experience sufficient for peer certification.

· Complete Level One (online component) and Level Two (online and in-person) training of State approved training for YPAs. Submit three letters of reference attesting to proficiency in and suitability for the role of an YPA including one from YPAs supervisor.

· Agree to practice according to the Youth Peer Advocate Code of Ethics.

Compeer Rochester, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $17.50 - $21.50 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 20 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• Evenings as needed
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Rochester, NY 14607

Salary : $18 - $21