Peer Advocate

JOB SUMMARY

Under the direct supervision of the Youth Leadership Manager, the Peer Advocate will be responsible for implementing an inclusive, peer-led/peer-supported Youth Empowerment Program. This program will focus on providing intersectional youth with a sense of belonging and support. The Peer Advocate will lead Positive Youth Development (PYD) groups, offer peer support, and make referrals for youths as needed. Additionally, the Peer Advocate will collect data and compile reports for the relevant funding agencies. This is a part-time, non-exempt position that does not include medical, dental, or vision benefits, in accordance with the agency’s Personnel Policy and Procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

• This position is designed for youth ages 16-24
• Applicable student work permits may apply.
• Special consideration will be given to people with knowledge of community-based organizations.
• Special consideration will be given to persons who speak and understand Spanish.

RESPONSIBILITIES

All responsibilities of the Peer Advocate are “as directed” by the Youth Leadership Manager and/or Executive Director. Peer Advocates are expected to learn many of the following responsibilities, core skills, knowledge, abilities, and competencies during their employment with the agency. It is most important that the Peer Advocate can identify with and provide information to other youth in a manner consistent with the agency and program philosophies on outreach.

• Participate in required training.
• Attend planning meetings.
• Assist with the creation of outreach materials as directed. Take initiative in the creation of outreach materials as appropriate.
• Carry out appropriate activities related to community outreach as directed.
• Ability to work in partnership with youth employees.
• Provide program outreach and education to public and private agencies, schools, and the community through direct presentations and participation in community events.
• Establish and maintain productive relationships with local agencies, organizations, law enforcement and other relevant local and national organizations.
• Perform all tasks and assignments to ensure appropriate and ethical adherence to the grant/contract guidelines under which the program operates.
• Participate in community events and outreach opportunities throughout the year.
• Develop resources within the community to serve children and families.
• Participate in regularly scheduled staff meetings and related functions.
• Assist in planning and carrying out of agency fundraising activities.
• Acquire updated information through reading and training to remain current on job related techniques, issues and information.
• Maintain accurate and timely records.
• Participate in appropriate networking activities.

CORE SKILL COMPETENCIES

• Active listening, communication, critical thinking, customer service, and team players.
• Integrity, honesty, and knowing how to learn.
• Function effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Demonstrate safe work practices and exercise sound judgment.
• Focus on understanding and meeting client needs.
• Actively works toward organizational improvement and professional growth.
• Clear and concise documentation style.
• Perceptive of non-verbal cues.
• Set appropriate limits and boundaries.
• Relate to youth and adults.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Represent the agency in public to communicate program philosophy, objectives, and methodology.
• Act in a professional manner with a teamwork approach to staff, other community agencies, and funding sources.
• Submit required reports on time.
• Accept direction, support, and feedback from supervisors.
• Planning, negotiating, recordkeeping, file maintenance.
• Strength-based perspective, decision-making, and leadership.
• Sensitivity to working with culturally diverse populations.

CORE ABILITIES

• Maintain standards of confidentiality and code of ethics.
• Prioritize work effectively.
• Accept direction, support, and feedback from supervisors.
• Provides consistently positive and professional modeling in all aspects of their role.
• Work independently in a variety of settings and make independent judgments.
• Make independent/non-reactive decisions in the best interest of the parties involved (i.e., child, family, peers).
• Identify cues that may lead to risk and safety issues.
• Respond appropriately to the crisis.
• Join/align with parents, other agencies, advocates, etc.
• Follow rules, policies procedures, and practice guidelines in a wide variety of off-site settings.
• Interact professionally and sensitively with all contacts, in a variety of contexts.
• Participate in group settings.
• Prioritize and follow through with commitments.
• Recognize own skills and areas needing improvement.
• Manage own emotions/demonstrate self-control in highly emotional situations.
• Maintain a professional demeanor in the face of adversity.
• Prepare information and make presentations to groups.
• Demonstrate a non-judgmental frame of reference.
• Maintain positive work relationships respectfully and collaboratively.
• Maintain good communication to ensure others have the necessary information.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20 per week

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20