Family Peer Advocate Youth ACT

Child and Family Services of Erie County, Inc.•City of Niagara Falls, NY

161d

About The Position

The Family Peer Advocate (FPA) joins the Niagara County Youth ACT Team, a multidisciplinary team providing intensive, community-based mental health services to youth ages 10–21 and their families who are experiencing significant emotional and behavioral challenges. Using personal, unpaid experience as a parent or caregiver of a youth with emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges, the advocate helps families feel heard, supported, and empowered, and serves as a bridge to resources. The role involves working with youth, families, program staff, and other partners; providing education, advocacy, support, and practical skills; and contributing to the program’s quality improvement process. The position offers a flexible schedule, pays $21.98 per hour based on a 35-hour work week, and requires travel throughout Western New York and flexibility to meet children and families in their homes.

Requirements

Personal, unpaid experience as a parent or caregiver of a youth with emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges.
High school diploma, equivalency, or State Education Commencement Credential.
Means of transportation to travel throughout the Western New York area.
Valid New York State driver’s license.
Flexibility to meet the needs of children and families in their homes.
Ability to work independently.
Adequate computer and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

Offer education, advocacy, support, and resources, and role-model advocacy for youth.
Build partnerships with youth and other collaterals to help meet the youth’s needs.
Educate recipients about self-help techniques and self-help group processes.
Teach effective coping strategies based on personal lived experience.
Teach symptom management skills and assist in clarifying rehabilitation.
Help youth and families avoid crises and manage situations during a crisis.
Model and practice sensitivity, fair treatment, and acceptance of diversity in interpersonal interactions.
Participate in and contribute to the program Quality Improvement process.
Maintain and submit required documents and comply with the Vehicle Safety and Usage Policy.
Maintain positive working relationships with program staff and others within the agency.
Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills when interacting with internal and external customers.

Benefits

Paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, and bereavement time.
Employer-paid life insurance.
Medical insurance options.
Dental insurance options.
Vision insurance options.
Wellness program and incentives.
Health Savings Account (HSA).
Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
Dependent Care FSA.
Employee referral bonus.
Qualifying employer for the Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).
403(b) retirement plan available right away with employer contributions.