Youth Peer Advocate

Mental Health Advocates of Western New York; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 24,796 - 35,817; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Health Reimbursement Account

Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays

403(b) Retirement Plan

Employee Assistance Program

Professional Development Opportunities

Remote Work Policy

Job summary

Mental Health Advocates of Western New York is seeking a Youth Peer Advocate to support adolescents and transition‑age youth navigating mental health and substance use challenges. You will apply your lived experience to promote wellness, resiliency, and recovery through peer‑led activities, goal setting, advocacy, and connection to community resources.

This role offers part‑time or full‑time hours with both exempt salary or hourly pay, reports to the YPA Program Manager, and requires 18–30 years

Qualifications

• Must be between ages 18 and 30 and have lived experience with child-serving systems.
• Certified Youth Peer Advocate (YPA) or eligible and willing to obtain certification.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to engage diverse youth.
• Excellent confidentiality practices and HIPAA understanding.
• Ability to travel within New York State and nationally as needed.

Responsibilities

• Support youth in developing wellness, resiliency, and recovery skills in group or one‑to‑one settings.
• Encourage hope, self‑efficacy, and recovery‑oriented attitudes.
• Provide peer support during transitions between care levels and into adulthood.
• Assist youth in communicating with providers and families and in self‑advocacy.
• Facilitate youth engagement in treatment planning using a youth‑driven approach.
• Collaborate with families and professionals to promote active youth involvement.
• Connect youth with formal and informal resources, including peer groups.
• Document activities, progress notes, and required funder reporting.

Skills

Lived experience

Interpersonal skills

Public speaking

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Confidentiality awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position: Youth Peer Advocate

Employment Type:

• Part Time or Full Time
• Exempt Salary or Non-Exempt Hourly

Reports To: YPA Program Manager

Position Summary

Youth Peer Advocates will use their lived experience and recovery journey to inspire and empower young people navigating mental health and/or substance use challenges. This role focuses on promoting wellness, resiliency, and recovery through peer‑led support, goal development, advocacy, and connection to community resources. The Youth Peer Advocate serves as a role model, mentor, and support system for adolescents and transition‑age youth while supporting MHA’s Mission.

Essential Functions

• Support youth in developing wellness, resiliency, and recovery skills, including goal setting, transition planning, and community living skills in one‑to‑one and/or group settings in the community, clinical settings and/or schools.
• Encourage hope, confidence, and self‑efficacy to enhance recovery‑oriented attitudes in youth.
• Model and provide mutual support, reassurance, and advocacy to promote wellness and healing.
• Serve as a peer partner during transitions between levels of care and into adulthood.
• Assist youth in effectively communicating their unique perspectives with providers and families.
• Guide youth in developing self‑advocacy skills to request services and support they can benefit from.
• Support youth engagement in their treatment planning process using a youth‑driven, person‑centered approach.
• Collaborate with families, caregivers, and professional providers to promote active youth involvement.
• Connect youth with both formal services and informal community resources, including peer support groups.
• Maintain an up‑to‑date list of local resources and support services beneficial to youth and families.
• Facilitate peer‑led support groups, workshops, and recreational activities for youth and families.
• Provide support to youth participating in the Erie County Children’s System of Care and similar initiatives.
• Represent the youth voice at community meetings and advocacy forums as needed.
• Share knowledge of adult system resources with transition‑age youth and offer navigation support.
• Document all activities, including progress notes, treatment plans, and required reporting for funders.
• Help create and participate in engaging social media content (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) to promote Youth Peer Advocate (YPA) activities and outreach.
• Provide peer support within clinical and community‑based behavioral health settings.
• Assist with funded activities needed, including compiling reports, attending or facilitating training, and participating in required meetings.
• Work flexible hours based on youth and family needs, including evenings and weekends.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support the organization’s mission.

Qualifications

• Must be between the ages of 18 and 30.
• Lived experience as a youth with one or more child‑serving systems, including mental health care, substance use treatment, child welfare, juvenile justice, or special education.
• Certified Youth Peer Advocate (YPA) or eligible and willing to obtain certification.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport and connect with youth from diverse backgrounds.
• Knowledge of youth empowerment, peer support principles, and trauma‑informed care practices.
• Comfortable facilitating groups, public speaking, and participating in community engagement activities.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team and across various service systems.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to demonstrate sensitivity, empathy, and a supportive approach to others’ needs.
• Evidence of strong confidentiality practices and understanding of HIPAA compliance.
• Sound decision‑making ability and ability to work independently.
• Well‑organized and able to meet documentation and funder reporting requirements consistently.
• Proficient computer skills, especially in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.).
• Reliable transportation and willingness to travel for community‑based work.
• Flexibility to work a varied schedule, including evenings and weekend.
• Team‑first attitude with a positive and professional demeanor.

Employee Benefits

• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Health Reimbursement Account
• Paid Time Off: PTO and Sick leave.
• Paid Holidays
• 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Summer Hours Program
• Remote Work Policy

Travel Requirements

Incumbents must possess a valid Driver License and reliable transportation with the ability to travel within New York State, as well as nationally, if required.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

The physical demands described represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and sit for long periods of time.

The employee is required to regularly reach with arms and hands; use hands to handle. Hands and fingers frequently perform repetitive motion including typing/keying.

Occasionally the employee will lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

This job requires close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. Employee is required to regularly talk and hear.

The above job description is not a contractual or binding document; it is provided as a guide to the types of duties required to be undertaken. Duties may vary from time to time, and this description is subject to review. Modifications will be made as needed to support changes in the business climate and requirements.

The Mental Health Advocates of WNY is an equal employment opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit and business needs, and not on race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, age, weight, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status, political affiliation, or any other factor protected by law.