Youth Peer Advocate/ YPST

HeartShare Human Services of New York; New York (NY); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking passionate Youth Peer Advocates to empower youth facing diverse challenges. This role focuses on facilitating peer support, promoting self-advocacy, and connecting youth to vital community resources. As part of a dedicated team, you will help youth navigate systems, develop leadership skills, and enhance their social connections. Join a century-old organization committed to making a difference in the lives of individuals with developmental challenges, offering a supportive environment and comprehensive benefits. Your contributions will foster resilience and growth in the community.

Benefits

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plans

Health Insurance

Employee Assistance Programs

Professional Development Opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum two years of relevant experience required.
• Self-identification with social or emotional challenges is essential.

Responsibilities

• Assist youth in developing goals and care plans.
• Facilitate peer support sessions and workshops on wellness.
• Connect youth to community support systems.

Skills

Peer Engagement Skills

Knowledge of Community Resources

Office 365 Proficiency

Education

Certification as a Peer Leader

Tools

Electronic Case Records

Job description

Join to apply for the Youth Peer Advocate/YPST role at HeartShare Human Services of New York.

Description

For over 100 years, HeartShare has dedicated itself to improving the lives of people needing special services and support. The HeartShare team, now 2,100 employees and growing, helps individuals develop to their fullest potential and lead meaningful and enriched lives.

HSVS is actively seeking Youth Peer Advocates (YPST) with a demonstrated history of effectively working with youth in diverse settings.

Key responsibilities and duties include:

• Assist youth with identifying needs, strengths, challenges, and developing goals and care plans.
• Facilitate groups and hold individual peer support sessions focusing on engagement and navigating youth-serving systems (schools, foster care, mental health, juvenile justice, etc.).
• Provide groups and workshops on self-care, wellness, resiliency, stress and anger management, and coping strategies.
• Promote self-advocacy and system navigation skills.
• Coach and model shared decision-making and collaboration with caregivers and support persons.
• Accompany youth and families to meetings and appointments as needed.
• Support youth participation in community, regional, state, and national activities to develop leadership skills and civic stewardship.
• Connect youth to community support systems.
• Conduct outreach and participate in community events.
• Help youth improve social skills and connect to recreational, faith-based, and cultural activities.
• Make referrals for additional services and supports.
• Document outcomes and goals in electronic databases as required.
• Attend supervision, staff meetings, trainings, and community forums.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years of relevant experience; certification as a Peer Leader expected within 18 months.
• Self-identify as someone with firsthand experience in social, emotional, medical/developmental challenges, substance use, juvenile justice, special education, or foster care.
• Effective outreach and peer engagement skills.
• Knowledge of community resources and service systems.
• Proficiency in Office 365 and documentation in electronic case records.

Benefits

HeartShare offers a comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, retirement plans, health insurance, employee assistance programs, discounts, and professional development opportunities.

HeartShare is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Requests for accommodations during the recruiting process are welcomed.

About HeartShare

For over a century, HeartShare has been dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, helping them develop and lead meaningful lives. Visit our website for more information.