Family Advocate Youth Act

Astor Services•Poughkeepsie, NY

7d•$22 - $22

About The Position

Are you passionate about empowering families in the mental health system? Astor Services is launching an innovative program within the Crisis Services Department designed to deliver intensive, community-based support to youth and their families. The Family Advocate will serve as a key member of the Youth ACT multidisciplinary team, helping engage families, build relationships, and ensure treatment aligns with family needs and experiences. The Family Advocate uses their lived experience as a parent or caregiver of a child with mental health challenges to support, educate, and empower families involved in the Youth ACT program. Responsibilities include modeling effective coping strategies, teaching self-help techniques, and helping families navigate the care system.

Requirements

Candidate who is a parent or caregiver who is raising or has raised a child with mental health challenges and has knowledge of the related system-of-care resources.
Credentialed as a Family Peer Advocate, or able to qualify and apply for credentialing prior to hire.
People who can adapt quickly, think creatively, and respond compassionately in moments of crisis.
Individual with valid New York State driver’s license meeting agency standards.
Due to meeting with families in their home, must be able to navigate environments that may not comply with ADA standards, including climbing and descending stairs without assistance.

Responsibilities

Provide in-home and community-based support, advocacy, and education to families.
Help families understand Youth ACT services and strengthen their engagement with the team through education and advocacy.
Teach coping strategies and symptom-management skills informed by lived experience and formal training.
Participate in crisis response during operating hours as part of the multidisciplinary team.
Maintain regular communication with team members and families to support needed adjustments to services.

Benefits

4 weeks paid vacation annually.
13 paid holidays.
4 personal days.
1 sick day per month, accruable to 150 days.
Fully paid individual LTD and life insurance.
Eligible for participation in agency medical and dental plan both individual and family, with small employee contribution.
New longevity incentives.
Opportunities to make a difference in the lives of children and families in need.
Collaboration with a team of dedicated professionals in a supportive and dynamic environment.
Room for growth and advancement within the organization.