Youth Peer Advocate

Core Responsibilities

• Work with young people (primarily between ages 14-21) who are experiencing social, medical, emotional, developmental, substance use, and/or behavioral challenges in their home, school, placement, and/or community.
• Provide training and support necessary to ensure the active participation and engagement of young people in the treatment planning process and in the development and reinforcement of skills.
• Emphasize opportunities for young people to expand skills and strategies necessary to meet personal, individualized life goals, develop self-advocacy skills, and support their transition into adulthood.
• Provide outreach, support, guidance, skill-building, and mentoring to young people.
• Ensure positive and effective communication and cooperation within and between department, division, family, and community personnel.
• Maintain and regularly compile data and documentation to be reviewed by supervisor as required.
• Ensure compliance with all pertinent government and agency regulations and operating standards.
• Use a person-centered approach.
• Adhere to all defined role responsibilities and ethics as outlined by respective Certification Board for Peer Specialist or Advocate.

Qualifications

• A High School Diploma or GED is required.
• A valid New York State Driver’s License is required.
• Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Attest to the respective Certification Board Code of Ethical Conduct for Peer Specialists or Advocate.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits and salary including a low-cost individual health insurance plan, dollar for dollar retirement match (up to 7%), life insurance, voluntary benefits, and generous paid time off.
• Comprehensive Health/Dental/Vision plans.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• Retirement Plan 403(b).
• Life Insurance.
• Voluntary Benefits.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Generous Paid Time Off Plans (Sick, Vacation and Employee Leave).
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Service Awards.
• Employee Appreciation Events.
• Employee Discounts.