Youth Peer Advocate

Department: Family & Youth Peer Support Services

Reports to: Program Supervisor

Location: On‑site; Staten Island, NY

Travel: 0‑10%

Position Overview

Vibrant’s Family & Youth Peer Support Services are staffed by family advocates who have shared similar life experiences to other parents – including finding success in navigating the complexities of the child‑serving system. Youth Peer Advocates maintain a strong focus on building other young people’s leadership skills and assisting youth to make a successful transition to adulthood.

Responsibilities

• Work in collaboration with all Family Peer Advocates in engaging youth in planning their own care and having their voice heard
• Share personal knowledge and experiences about the youth serving system and resources available to youth
• Provide support to youth through one‑to‑one interactions as well as group interactions
• Provide support to youth at community meetings and other meetings as needed
• Provide public education about youth mental health issues
• Assist in the organization of social, recreational and educational activities for youth
• Assist in outreach activities
• Represent the interests of youth with emotional and behavioral challenges in a variety of public forums and advisory groups
• Create and maintain comprehensive documentation of the work completed with individuals and families
• Additional duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Age 18 to 30 with first‑hand experience with social, emotional, medical, developmental, substance use, and/or behavioral challenges, and experience receiving mental health services and/or navigating other child‑serving systems
• Demonstrates leadership qualities, knowledge of advocacy, and ability to share experiences positively
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Ability to work flexible hours, as required
• Bilingual and bicultural candidates are encouraged to apply
• Candidates possessing exceptional skill but not all qualifications are also encouraged to apply

Physical Requirements

• Mostly sedentary work using standard office equipment (computer, keyboard, telephone)
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, program participants, service providers and other stakeholders
• Ability to remain calm and composed under stress
• Ability to respond to telephones and other auditory stimulation
• Ability to evaluate/interpret information and make independent judgments/decisions

Pay

Pay range: $29.23 – $32.97 per hour. Base pay is determined through a comprehensive review of skills, experience, education, certifications, geographic location, and other relevant factors.

Schedule

Part‑time, 17–20 hours per week during office hours of Monday‑Friday 9 am‑5 pm and Saturdays 9 am‑1 pm; evening hours as needed.

Benefits

Full‑time employees are eligible for comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, supplemental income insurance, employer‑paid disability and life insurance, pre‑tax FSA for medical and dependent care, and 401(k). A complete overview of compensation and benefits will be provided by the Talent Acquisition team during the hiring process.