YOUTH PEER ADVOCATE

SCO Family of Services; Dix Hills (NY); On-site; USD 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

SCO Family of Services in Dix Hills, NY seeks a dedicated Youth Peer Advocate to bridge youth in care with treatment teams. You will lead peer support groups, assist in safety planning, and support transitions while maintaining HIPAA-compliant confidentiality.

The role emphasizes recovery experience, strong communication, and collaboration with the Enhanced Treatment Team and local youth services. On-site position with community engagement opportunities.

Qualifications

• First-hand experience with mental health services, foster care, or special education.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• NY Youth Peer Advocate Credential required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Candidate should be in recovery phase of their own treatment and able to reflect on experiences.

Responsibilities

• Act as liaison between RTF youth and Enhanced Treatment Team (ETT).
• Provide weekly peer support groups and use diverse topics and strategies.
• Assist with family safety planning and transition support for youth.
• Participate in supervision and Youth Peer Advocate Team meetings.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA regulations.
• Support youth in community and campus activities and refer as needed.

Skills

Youth Engagement

Group Facilitation

Peer Advocacy

Education

High School Diploma

NY Youth Peer Advocate Credential

Job description

• To act as the liaison between the RTF youth and ETT
• Provide weekly peer support group using a range of topics and strategies
• Provide community -based/ in-home individualized peer support as assigned
• Assist with the development of family safety plans
• Participate directly at Enhanced Treatment Team meetings as required
• Interpret and implement the RTF program’s philosophy, policies, routines, and procedures, which effect group living and consumer transition in a manner consistent with their intent.
• Assist new residents in the transition and acclimation to group living
• Support residents during activities within the community and on campus, including leisure/wellness/ recreation activities
• Communicate problems or potential problems to the Transition Manager
• Attend Pre-placement meetings, Diagnostic Conference meetings, Comprehensive Treatment Plan Reviews and Discharge/ Aftercare Meetings as requested by Transition manager
• Attend in-service training sessions, conferences, and/or workshops as required by the position and/or authorized by the Transition Manager and/or Program Director
• Participate in Monthly supervision with Transition Manager to support the development of Youth Peer Advocates
• Attend monthly Youth Peer Advocate Team meetings and site visits designated to unify Youth Peer Advocates
• Works with the Enhanced Treatment Team in accessing community resources and supports for youth
• Provide youth with face to face and telephone support, information and communicate need for referrals to Enhanced Treatment Team as needed
• Develop and facilitate youth advisory councils for youth on campus
• Facilitate youth support groups, providing a safe non-judgmental, youth-friendly and culturally competent environment
• Maintain confidentiality of information in records of youth in program and; follow and abide by all HIPAA laws and regulations
• Peer Bridger – assist RTF youth with transitioning to community or lower levels of care
• Attend meetings and conferences when assigned representing the youth voice in Meetings
• Provide support and advocacy to recovering RTF youth to stay in their homes and communities, with the goal of avoiding further hospitalization or institutionalized care.
• Be able to use lived experience with a mental illness and/or co-occurring disorder to assist in supporting youth in their resiliency/recovery and wellness
• Maintains appropriate boundaries with youth served
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• 18-28 years of age who has had first-hand experience with mental health services, special education services, or foster care
• Have a high school diploma, high school equivalency, or NYS State Education Commencement Credential (e.g. SACC or CDOS)
• New York State Youth Peer Advocate Credential (YPA)
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• A Youth Peer Advocate should be in the recovery phase of their own treatment, and demonstrate the ability to reflect thoughtfully about their diagnosis, experiences, and personal history
• Have a basic knowledge of support techniques, advocacy, active listening methods, and group facilitation, or be willing to attend related trainings

Equal Opportunity Employer

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