Youth Program Coordinator / Peer Advocate

Location: Must reside in Chaves, Curry, Roosevelt, Lea, or Eddy County, NM.

Summary: Youth Rising seeks a full-time Youth Program Coordinator/Peer Advocate to support our expanding efforts in New Mexico. This key role involves coordinating youth-focused projects and activities across five counties, supporting the supervision at our drop-in center, and engaging directly with middle school, high school, and young adult populations (ages 11-25). The Coordinator/Advocate will work under the guidance and support of the Regional Program Director and is particularly suited to individuals with personal lived experience in the juvenile justice system, mental health challenges, or homelessness.

Key Responsibilities:

• Program Support and Development: Assist the Regional Program Director in coordinating daily operations, including supporting the planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs designed to support at-risk youth.

• Community and School Engagement: Help establish and maintain partnerships with local schools and community organizations to enhance program outreach and impact. Support the coordination of local advisory committee meetings and participate in cross-sector collaborations.

• Support and Supervision: Help supervise and support the drop-in center to ensure a safe and inclusive environment. Mentor youth in developing life skills and achieving personal goals.

• Administrative Assistance: Support administrative tasks such as managing communications, data collection, and report generation. Help ensure compliance with state and federal program requirements.

• Training and Advocacy: Assist in conducting and coordinating training sessions for the professional development of staff and volunteers. Support advocacy efforts for youth needs and assist in public speaking initiatives to promote program goals.

Qualifications:

• Education: A bachelor's degree in social work, human services, or a related field is preferred.

• Experience: At least 2 years of experience in youth services, mental health, or the juvenile justice system. Prior experience in a supportive role within educational, residential, or mental health settings is valuable. Candidates with personal lived experience in areas such as the juvenile justice system, mental health challenges, or homelessness are particularly encouraged to apply, as this background provides valuable insight and reliability to the youth we serve.

• Skills: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, ability to assist with multiple projects and proficiency in Microsoft Office and Electronic Health Record systems. Bilingualism in Spanish and English is highly desirable.

• Certifications: Peer Support or Prevention Specialist Certification preferred. CPR/First Aid certification is a plus.

Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and proof of insurance.

• Ability to pass a background check and drug screening.

• Willingness to travel within the community and occasionally work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends.

Compensation:

• Salary: $40,000 - $50,000 annually, depending on experience.

• Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, professional

development assistance, retirement plan, and tuition reimbursement.

Job Type: Full-time

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $40,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Location:

• Hobbs, NM 88240 (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Hobbs, NM 88240 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $40,000 - $50,000