Part-time Bilingual Youth Peer Mentor (5301)

About the role

The Part-Time Bilingual Youth Peer Mentor provides peer support, mentorship, and advocacy services to adolescents experiencing mental health and substance misuse challenges. Grounded in the principles of youth empowerment and recovery, this role is designed around the New York State, “Families on the Move” Youth Peer Advocate certification (or equivalent Youth Peer Advocate credential recognized in New York).

Responsibilities

• Establish rapport and trust with youth through active listening, empathy, and shared experience.
• Encourage youth self-advocacy, offering guidance on navigating mental health and substance misuse treatment systems.
• Support youth in developing Wellness goals, using the Dimensions of Wellness framework.
• Provide one-on-one mentoring sessions, focusing on goal setting, life skills, and healthy decision-making.
• Apply Motivational Interviewing (MI) strategies to enhance adolescents’ intrinsic motivation and commitment to positive change.
• Help youth identify strengths, overcome barriers, and develop personal coping techniques.
• Advocate for youth during meetings with service providers, school staff, or community agencies.
• Assist in connecting adolescents to needed resources, such as mental health counseling, substance misuse treatment, educational supports, and recreational opportunities.
• Support youth in understanding their rights and responsibilities within various systems (school, juvenile justice, healthcare).
• Facilitate peer support groups, workshops, or recreational activities that promote social skills, self-esteem, and community engagement.
• Work collaboratively with staff and community partners to design group curricula and materials suitable for diverse backgrounds and needs.
• Maintain timely and accurate progress notes of mentoring sessions, group activities, and participant progress in accordance with agency and funder requirements.
• Ensure adherence to confidentiality and ethical guidelines.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; some college coursework in psychology, social work, or related fields a plus.
• Provisional NYS Youth Peer Advocate certification required, with professional certification or equivalent credential expected within one year of hire.
• Lived experience with mental health and/or substance misuse recovery as a youth or young adult is strongly preferred.
• Bilingual required.
• Strong understanding of motivational interviewing principles and techniques (or willingness to be trained).
• Experience working with adolescents in community, home, or school environments is preferred.
• Ability to relate to and engage with diverse youth populations effectively, demonstrating cultural sensitivity.
• Strong communication and organizational skills, with attention to documentation and follow-up.
• Valid New York State driver’s license and reliable transportation preferred for community travel.

Schedule

Tuesday/Thursday 10am - 6pm and Wednesday 2pm - 6pm. Must be open to flexible scheduling.