Youth Peer Advocate

BROOKLYN PERINATAL NETWORK INC; New York (NY); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking compassionate individuals to provide Family and Youth Peer Support Services. This role empowers parents and youth facing various challenges by offering guidance, resources, and individualized care plans. You'll engage directly with youth, helping them navigate systems, advocate for their needs, and develop essential life skills. The position offers flexible hours and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of families. If you're passionate about supporting youth and families in overcoming obstacles, this role is a perfect fit for you.

Benefits

Health insurance

Qualifications

• Minimum of a High-School degree or GED required.
• Two years of relevant experience and Certified Peer Leader within 18 months.

Responsibilities

• Carry a caseload of 85 children and youth annually.
• Facilitate peer support sessions and develop individualized care plans.
• Encourage youth participation in treatment and community activities.

Skills

Peer Support

Self-Advocacy

Community Engagement

Communication Skills

Leadership Skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Computer Skills

Job description

Benefits:

Health insurance

Program Overview:

Family and Youth Peer Support (FYPS) Services support and empower parents/caregivers of children and youth (birth – age 24) who are experiencing social, emotional, developmental, substance use, and/or behavioral challenges, and the children and youth themselves. The goals of the program are to: (i) provide parents/caregivers and youth with a comprehensive range of peer services to empower parents to advocate for their child’s needs and improve the mental health of parents/caregivers and children/youth served, and (ii) reduce the stigma associated with mental health services for both individuals and communities.

Job Responsibilities/Duties:

1. Carry a caseload of 85 unduplicated children and youth annually.
2. Assist youth with identifying needs, strengths, challenges, and goals and develop individualized care plans (ICP).
3. Facilitate groups and hold individual one-on-one peer support sessions focusing on Engagement, Bridging, and Transition Support to help increase participants’ strengths to navigate systems and better respond to caregivers.
4. Provide youth with the tools needed to learn how to self-advocate and manage systems.
5. Encourage and support youth involvement in their treatment plan and use of community resources.
6. Coach and model shared decision-making and skills to support collaborations.
7. Accompany youth and families to meetings and appointments as needed.
8. Support and encourage family and youth participation in community, regional, state, and national activities to develop their leadership skills and encourage civic stewardship.
9. Provide groups and workshops on Youth Skill Development and teach youth how to learn and practice strategies that encourage positive behavior.
10. Provide education on wellness and resiliency.
11. Encourage youth to stay in school and understand the importance of education. Attend school meetings as needed.
12. Connect youth to support systems within their own community.
13. Conduct outreach and participate in community events.
14. Help youth improve social skills and become more involved in leisure and recreational activities, as well as connect them to faith-based institutions and cultural activities and organizations.
15. Make referrals for needed services and additional supports as needed.
16. Help develop clients’ support systems and integrate them into community services.
17. Document and report on all outcomes and goals of the program to the Supervisor and Alliance Coordinator.
18. Participate in community-level committees/forums to represent the youth's perspective and influence policy.

Qualifications:

1. Must have a minimum of a High-School degree or GED.
2. Two years of relevant experience and be a Certified Peer Leader within 18 months of hire.
3. Self-identify as a person who has first-hand experience with the population served.
4. Computer proficient.
5. Bilingual preferred.

Hours of Operation:

Flexible 9 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday with at least one evening until 8 PM, some Saturdays, and Holidays.