Young Peers Coordinator

Niagara Falls, Batavia, or Buffalo • Full-time • Closing Date: September 2, 2026

About the role

Lead the ongoing development of the Young Peers Program within Western New York Independent Living, Inc. (WNYIL) covering Erie, Niagara, Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming Counties. Supervise Youth Peer Advocates. Provide peer support in person and online.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and supervise the Young Peers Program.
• Monitor and evaluate the progress and impact of the program.
• Achieve and report program goals to appropriate funding sources.
• Supervise all Youth Peer Advocates (YPAs) according to WNYIL policies, including recruitment, hiring, evaluation, and termination of staff.
• Jointly develop the annual budget of the Young Peers Program with the COO.
• Monitor, maintain, and request goods and services necessary for the operation of the program.
• Coordinate WNYIL’s Young Peers Advisory Council, including recruitment of members, meeting logistics, and recordkeeping.
• Advocate and promote the interests of the Young Peers Advisory Council in the community, state, and nation.

Requirements

• Associate degree in Human Services or related field OR Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field. Professional and life experience may be considered in lieu of, in full or part of academic credentials.
• Candidates with a Youth Peer Advocate credential are preferred.
• Self-identified as a person with first-hand experience with emotional (mental health), behavioral challenges, and/or co-occurring disorders.
• Able to use lived experience with a disability, mental illness, and involvement with juvenile justice, special education, substance use disorder, and/or foster care to support youth in their resiliency, recovery, and wellness.
• Three (3) years of direct youth peer service experience.
• Experience as a supervisor or manager is preferred.
• Knowledge of persons with disabilities and federal/state laws pertaining to the rights of persons with disabilities.
• Reliable transportation to travel independently across Erie, Niagara, Genesee, Orleans, and Wyoming Counties.

Skills

• Ability to engage with diverse groups of people.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Intermediate knowledge of computers, including Excel spreadsheets, databases, word processing, and networks.
• Professional, conscientious, and efficient demeanor to ensure a better quality of life for persons with disabilities.

Pay

$45,000–$50,000 per year

Benefits

Benefits included.