Family Advocate

Jewish Board of Family and Children's Services; New York (NY); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Jewish Board of Family and Children's Services in New York seeks a Youth ACT Family Peer Advocate responsible for supporting families with children ages 10 to 21 dealing with behavioral health challenges. Working within a multidisciplinary team, you'll deliver vital services in community settings, collaborating with various providers to enhance family support, ensure treatment continuity, and assist with community integration.

Essential tasks include advocacy, psychoeducation, and skills development sessions, with a strong emphasis on community engagement and diverse group interactions. Applicants should be organized, independent, and ready to work collaboratively to achieve goals.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency required.
• Must have experience parenting a child with mental health challenges.
• Preferred bilingual in Spanish and English.

Responsibilities

• Advocate with providers to coordinate services.
• Educate families on self-help techniques.
• Provide psychoeducation to caregivers.
• Conduct skill development workshops.
• Monitor and document family progress.

Skills

Excellent engagement skills

Strong verbal and written communication

Attention to detail

Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Education

High School Diploma or equivalency

Specialty credentialing in advocacy

Lived experience with mental health challenges

Bilingual in Spanish/English (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Electronic health records knowledge

Job description

Youth Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) services focus on improving functional impairments and severe symptomatology experienced by youth with mental illness or serious emotional disturbance. Interventions enhance family functioning to foster health, stability, and re‑integration for youth returning from residential or inpatient settings. The Youth ACT Team is a multidisciplinary, family‑driven, youth‑guided approach that provides developmentally appropriate services across family, school, medical, behavioral, psychosocial, and community domains.

Position Overview

The Youth ACT Family Peer Advocate works as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide treatment and support services to families and children ages 10 to 21 who have significant behavioral health needs and who are at risk of entering or returning from high‑end services such as inpatient or residential care. The role involves delivering individualized services focused on clinical treatment, family psychoeducation, and skills development. The advocate provides services in homes and communities, collaborating with other providers and systems as needed. Evening availability and rotating on‑call coverage may be required.

Key Essential Functions

• Advocate with providers across the child‑serving system to raise awareness, reduce stigma, engage families, and coordinate services.
• Educate families about self‑help techniques and group processes.
• Provide psychoeducation to family members, caregivers, or social supports.
• Conduct individual or group parent skill development related to the child/youth’s behavioral health needs.
• Teach effective coping strategies based on personal experience and assist in developing community support systems and networks.
• Support families and caregivers in developing skills to manage child/youth behaviors and navigate multiple systems.
• Identify formal services and informal resources that are culturally affirming for families experiencing social‑emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges.
• Help families identify challenges, strengths, improvement areas, and goals.
• Monitor and document family progress in accordance with agency and regulatory policies.
• Collaborate with care providers and community supports to track progress toward goals.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, staff meetings, trainings, and supervision.
• Maintain documentation per Jewish Board standards, regulatory agencies, and funding sources.
• Maintain professional behaviors and ethical standards per licensing board, professional association, and Jewish Board policies.
• Use electronic databases to record demographics, goals, and services; participate in quality improvement activities.
• Perform services in homes, community settings, and office.
• Any additional duties as assigned.

Core Competencies

• Excellent engagement skills
• Strong verbal and written communication
• Attention to detail
• Ability to work independently as well as with a team

Educational / Training Required

• High School Diploma or equivalency
• Specialty credentialing in advocacy (can be obtained during probationary period)
• Lived experience parenting a child or adolescent with a serious emotional disturbance and/or mental health challenges
• Lived experience with mental health and/or co‑occurring behavioral health challenges in home, school, and community settings
• Ability to work with diverse social, cultural, and economic groups
• Background in advocating within mental health and/or the educational system
• Bilingual in Spanish/English (preferred)

Experience Required / Language Preference

• Bilingual Spanish/English (preferred)

Computer Skills Required

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Ability to learn electronic health records and other software as needed

Visual and Manual Dexterity

• Read and input data into electronic health records and spreadsheets
• Manual dexterity and hand‑eye coordination for occasional tasks

Work Environment / Physical Effort

• Most services performed in the community; limited office work
• Work sites may vary in ADA accessibility
• Travel within New York City while carrying equipment (approx. 10 lb)
• Sit 20% of time, stand 30% of time, travel 50% of time
• Frequent travel within Staten Island; occasional travel to Bronx or Queens

We respect diversity and are an equal‑opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, alienage, citizenship status, age, disability, sex, gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, partnership status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. This applies to all aspects of employment and we will make reasonable accommodations for qualified employees with disabilities unless unrelated undue hardship occurs. If you need assistance, contact human resources.