Empowering Youth Peer Navigator & Mentor

SCO; New York (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

SCO seeks Peer Navigators to mentor youth and young adults aged 18–30 who have experienced homelessness, guiding them through DYCD RHY resources and service systems.

Responsibilities include outreach, one-on-one mentoring, workshop facilitation, and collaboration with advisory boards to elevate youth leadership. The role emphasizes harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and person-centered support.

Qualifications

• Commitment to supporting youth who are experiencing or exiting homelessness.
• Knowledge of NYC Runaway & Homeless Youth system and other youth serving programs.
• Awareness of community resources, including housing resources, educational services, career opportunities.
• Familiarity with harm reduction, trauma-informed care, positive youth development and peer support models.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to relate to young people from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams while maintaining boundaries and confidentiality.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development, including continuing education and supervision.
• Uphold Youth Peer Advocate (YPA) Code of Ethics standards.
• Promote positive youth development, harm reduction, and wellness strategies in every interaction.

Responsibilities

• Engage YYA during Drop-In Center hours and through outreach activities to support access to services and sustain youth participation.
• Conduct one-on-one peer mentorship sessions focusing on goal setting, coping skills, housing readiness, and navigating services systems.
• Manage a caseload of 10 youth at any given time, serving a total of at least 100 per year.
• Provide transition support for a minimum of six months when requested by the youth or young adult.
• Conduct at least one monthly workshop or youth event in response to youth needs.
• Facilitate and co-create peer-led programming, groups, and wellness activities reflecting youth voice and needs; include at least one peer group activity monthly.
• Support the facilitation and development of Advisory Boards to elevate youth leadership and decision-making.
• Conduct field work where appropriate and accompany youth to appointments when requested.
• Participate in case conferences, service plan reviews, and discharge planning meetings.
• Assist youth in building self-advocacy skills and understanding their service plans.
• Participate in virtual and in-person DYCD peer meetings.
• Maintain documentation, including progress notes, attendance logs, and referral logs, in accordance with agency and city program guidelines.
• Help identify gaps in services and advocate for enhanced programming and resources based on youth feedback.

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

SCO seeks Peer Navigators to mentor youth and young adults aged 18–30 who have experienced homelessness, guiding them through DYCD RHY resources and service systems.

Responsibilities include outreach, one-on-one mentoring, workshop facilitation, and collaboration with advisory boards to elevate youth leadership. The role emphasizes harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and person-centered support.