YOUTH PEER SPECIALIST

Established in 1926, Family Service League is a social services agency who provides comprehensive services to individuals, children, and families to improve the quality of their lives at home, in the workplace, and in the community. With more than 60 social service and mental health programs in over 20 locations, Family Service League is committed to serving Long Island’s most vulnerable citizens.

SUMMARY

Family Service League is seeking a per-diem Peer Specialist to provide a set of services designed to help youth and families to gain the necessary tools to be successful in their homes and communities. The Peer Specialist works with caregivers or family members, who are caring for or raising a child who is experiencing social, emotional, medical, developmental, substance use and/or behavioral challenges in their home, school, placement and/or community. Must be an individual 18 to 30 years old who has self-identified as having first-hand experience with mental health or behavioral challenges, or co-occurring disorders. 

 RESPONSIBILITIES

• The Peer Specialist will provide weekly meetings with caregivers/family members in their home and community.
• Develop skills towards goals identified that are focused primarily on activities that involve helping the families care for and strengthen their child’s mental and physical health, development, and well-being.
• Engage in a variety of activities to support the caregivers/family members, including discussions, psychoeducation, self-advocacy, empowerment, and parenting skills development.
• The Peer Specialist will document in an Electronic Health Record and conduct regular communication.
• Develop Treatment Plan Goals.
• The Peer Specialist will provide community resources and general support.
• Transport caregiver/family members and youth as needed.
• Work as a team with other CFTSS and Care Management staff.
• Participate in weekly supervision and monthly staff meetings.
• All other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

High School Diploma or equivalent required.  A Youth Peer Advocate credential is required.

Must be an individual 18 to 30 years old who has self-identified as having first-hand experience with mental health or behavioral challenges, or co-occurring disorders. 

Must be able to use a “lived experience” with a disability, mental health condition, involvement the in juvenile justice system, special education, substance use disorder and/or foster care system to assist in supporting youth in their resiliency, recovery, and wellness.

Prior knowledge of mental health conditions and prior experience working with children, preferably children with special needs required.

Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office, are required.

Excellent interpersonal, engagement, and verbal and written communication skills are required.

Ability to be creative and present ideas and skills in a variety of ways is required.

Bilingual in Spanish preferred.

Valid and clean New York State Driver’s License and own a reliable car that is properly insured, registered, and maintained to drive from worksite to worksite required.