Youth Peer Advocate

Bridges Healthcare, Inc.; Milford (CT); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

Bridges Healthcare, Inc. is seeking a Youth Peer Advocate (YPA) in Milford, CT. The role is part-time, 8 hours per week, paying $25 per hour.

The YPA will support youth engagement, participate in prevention planning, and ensure youth voice informs Local Prevention Council activities. The position involves serving on the Youth Advisory Board, collaborating with schools and community organizations, and assisting in SPF planning and youth outreach efforts.

Qualifications

• Must be between 18 and 24 years old.
• Interest in youth leadership and community engagement.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Reliable, organized, and able to commit to scheduled meetings and activities.
• Access to reliable transportation on a consistent basis.

Responsibilities

• Attend and actively participate in monthly Youth Advisory Board meetings.
• Serve on at least one YAB sub-committee.
• Represent youth perspectives and contribute to planning and decision-making discussions.
• Assist with youth-focused initiatives for the Local Prevention Council and SPF activities.
• Recruit and encourage youth participation and help plan youth-led events and campaigns.
• Interpret and present data to community boards and stakeholders.

Skills

Youth leadership

Public speaking

Team collaboration

Communication

Organization

Transportation access

Job description

Bridges Healthcare, Inc. has an immediate opening for a Youth Peer Advocate (YPA)

Salary: $25 per hour

This position is part-time, 8 hours per week/non-benefited

Purpose and Position Overview

The Youth Peer Advocate (YPA) serves as a youth representative and leader within the Milford community. Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the YPA supports youth engagement initiatives, participates in prevention planning efforts, and ensures that youth voice is meaningfully integrated into Local Prevention Council (LPC) activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

Youth Advisory Board (YAB) Participation

• Attend and actively participate in monthly Youth Advisory Board (YAB) meetings.
• Serve on at least one (1) YAB sub-committee.
• Represent youth perspectives and contribute to planning and decision-making discussions.
• In the absence of the YPA, the Program Manager will attend monthly YAB meetings.

Local Prevention Council (LPC) Support

• Assist with youth-focused initiatives and activities for the LPC.
• Support youth engagement in prevention programming.
• Collaborate with the LPC throughout all steps of the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF), including:
  • Assessment
  • Capacity Building
  • Planning
  • Implementation
  • Evaluation

Youth Engagement & Outreach

• Recruit and encourage other youth to participate in prevention initiatives.
• Develop collaborative partnerships with schools and community-based organizations.
• Assist in planning and implementing youth-led events and campaigns.
• Attend Youth Committee meetings

Data & Communication

• Interpret and present data to community boards, youth groups, and stakeholders.
• Assist in developing youth-friendly reports and presentations.
• Help create and support media campaigns focused on prevention messaging.

Professional Development

• Attend workshops, trainings, and conferences related to prevention efforts.
• Participate in leadership development opportunities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Must be between the ages of 18 and 24.
• Interest in youth leadership, community engagement, and prevention efforts.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with peers and adults.
• Reliable, organized, and able to commit to scheduled meetings and activities.
• Access to reliable transportation on a consistent basis.

Skills & Competencies

• Leadership and peer engagement
• Public speaking and presentation skills
• Team collaboration
• Basic data interpretation skills (training provided)
• Social media and media campaign support (preferred but not required)

Work Schedule & Commitment

• Minimum/maximum of eight (8) hours per week.
• Required attendance at monthly Youth Advisory Board (YAB) meetings.
• Participation in at least one (1) YAB sub-committee.
• Attendance at additional meetings, events, or trainings as needed.

Bridges Healthcare is a valued and trusted community partner.

A leading provider of a wide continuum of integrated behavioral health services.

An employer of choice and offers staff the opportunity to grow and learn with the organization.

Sustained by a diverse funding model that reflects broad-based community support and investment.

Well-known and well-regarded for the services and supports we provide.

A recognized expert and leader in delivering innovative solutions to behavioral health challenges.

A powerful advocate for our clients, services, and improved systems.

Loan repayment on some positions may be eligible as Bridges is a STAR and NHSC Approved Site by HRSA.

Only candidates whose qualifications meet the requirements of the position will be contacted. No phone calls, walk-ins or third parties, please. We regret that we cannot provide relocation assistance for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)