Youth Peer Advocate

Youth Peer Advocate!

Youth Peer Advocates are individuals between 18 and 30 years of age who have self identified as having first hand experience with social, emotional, medical, developmental, substance use, and/or behavioral challenges. They use their lived experience to support young people in their resiliency, recovery and wellness journeys. Youth Peer Advocates receive training to develop skills and strategies to empower and support other young people and serve as a peer mentor, positive role model and advocate to youth and young adults currently receiving care coordination services in Monroe County. The Youth Mentor will assist youth in achieving their goals and living healthy, self-directed lives. The role involves connecting with youth while working with a team in order to identify, advocate, and act as a liaison between youth and other professionals and community natural supports. Youth Peer Advocates must be between the ages of 18-30 years old to qualify for this position.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities: (Additional duties may be assigned)

o Engages individuals/families in a personal, supportive manner, creating relationships that emphasize wellness and recovery.

o Provides individuals/families with services consistent with the department goals and outcomes. This may include individual, group and/or support services. This may include providing services at the program site and/or in the community.

o Empowers participants to be self-advocates in their own lives.

o Collaborates with community resources and makes referrals as necessary.

o Maintains appropriate documentation in a timely manner consistent with department requirements and HIPAA regulations.

o Adheres to agency policies and department procedures.

o Attends required meetings.

o Supports an organizational culture of being culturally sensitive and trauma informed.

Education and Experience:

· High school diploma/GED equivalency.

· Experience and knowledge of the public mental health system.

· Credentialed Youth Peer Advocate preferred or must be in the process of obtaining Youth Peer Advocate credentials from Families Together in NYS. Credentials must be maintained throughout employment.

Equipment, Machines and Software Used:

· Ability to operate various office equipment including computer, printer, telephone, fax machine, photocopier, scanner, and calculator.

· Computer Software: Microsoft Office to include Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel. Experience with Paylocity payroll system preferred.

· Reliable transportation and ability to provide services in the community is required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

· Excellent communication skills including verbal and written communication.

· Skill in planning and scheduling to establish deadlines and ensure the timely completion of several independent tasks and short-term projects.

· Strong organizational skills including the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

· Ability to analyze and solve complex problems.

· Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.

· Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.

· Ability to respond to questions from staff and program participants.

· Individuals must demonstrate sensitivity, respect, and competency with diverse cultural backgrounds, social identities and practices of community members and be willing to participate in anti-racism focused diversity training to increase skills in this area.

· Bi-lingual in Spanish a plus.

Work Hours:

· The standard work week is 35 hours. Typically M-F, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Flexibility may be required on occasion.

· This work cannot be performed from home or in hybrid format.

Compensation:

· Compensation will be in the range of $17-20/hr.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $17.00 - $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• Do you have a personal life experience in child serving systems (juvenile justice, mental health, child welfare, and/or education) and the ability to positively and appropriately self-disclose regarding that experience?
• Youth Peer Advocates must be between the ages of 18-30 years old to qualify for this position. Do you meet the criteria for a Youth Peer Advocate as listed?
• The salary range for this position is $17-20 per hour. Is this within your salary requirements?
• Are you a credentialed Youth Peer Advocate through Families Together in NYS or in the process of receiving your YPA credentials?

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Work Location: Multiple locations

Salary : $17 - $20