YOUTH PEER ADVOCATE

Job Description

Job Description

Established in 1926, Family Service League is a social services agency transforming lives and communities through mental health, addiction, housing, and essential human services with more than 60 social service programs in over 20 locations.

SCHEDULE

Monday – Friday

Flexible schedule

SUMMARY

Family Service League is seeking a part-time Youth Peer Advocate for the Children and Family Treatment and Support Services (CFTSS) program. The Youth Peer Advocate will deliver services to youth enrolled in our High-Fidelity Wrap program for up to 15 hours weekly. The Youth Peer Advocate will work with youth ages 5-21 who are experiencing social, emotional, medical, developmental, substance use and / or behavioral challenges in their home, school, placement and / or community. Travel is required.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• The Youth Peer Advocate will meet with clients weekly in their home and community.
• Develop skills towards goals identified that are focused primarily on activities that involve helping the youth in the areas of skill building, coaching, engagement, bridging and transition support, self-advocacy, self-efficacy and empowerment, and community connections and natural supports.
• The Youth Peer Advocate will attend monthly child and family team meetings.
• Work closely with the High-Fidelity Wrap Care Manager and Family Peer Advocate.
• Document in an EHR and conduct regular communication.
• The Youth Peer Advocate will develop treatment plan goals.
• Transport youth as needed.
• Work as a team with other CFTSS and care management staff.
• Participate in monthly staff and team meetings (in person or via phone).
• All other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

High School Diploma or equivalent required.

Must be an individual 21 to 29 years old who has self-identified as a person who has first-hand experience with mental health or behavioral challenges, or co-occurring disorders.

Youth Peer Advocate credential required.

Must be able to use a “lived experience” with a disability, mental health condition, involvement in juvenile justice system, special education, substance use disorder and / or foster care to assist in supporting youth in their resiliency, recovery, and wellness.

Prior experience working with children required; children with special needs preferred.

Excellent interpersonal, engagement and verbal and written communication skills required.

Ability to be creative and present ideas and skills in a variety of ways required.

Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office required.

Bilingual in Spanish preferred.

Valid and clean NYS Driver’s License required. Must own a reliable car that is properly insured, registered, and maintained to drive from worksite to worksite.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This position requires sitting for long periods of time and travelling to different client homes, community settings and other FSL offices.