Peer Advocate Youth Engagement Specialist

Independent Living•Middletown, NY

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Independent Living, Inc. (ILI) is seeking a full-time Peer Advocate and Youth Engagement Specialist to join their mission-driven organization. ILI has been dedicated to increasing access, encouraging self-determination, and advocating for the rights of people with disabilities in the Hudson Valley of New York since 1987. The organization follows the traditional independent living center (ILC) model, with a board and staff largely composed of individuals with disabilities, bringing valuable peer and life-experience perspectives. ILI is committed to empowering individuals to live independently and participate fully in their communities. The Peer Advocate and Youth Engagement Specialist will assist individuals by teaching independent living skills, helping to secure services and resources, and encouraging personal empowerment and self-determination. They will also assist families and professionals in securing resources and services for transitional aged youth (18-25). The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to recognize the need for and facilitate connections between consumers and Independent Living (IL) and other disability-related services.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Must complete approved advocacy training programs within the first six months of employment.
Personal “lived” experience within the foster care system.
Demonstrated ability to recognize the need for and facilitate connections between consumers and IL and other disability related services.
Knowledge of local, statewide and national disability related issues and community dynamics.
Excellent written and verbal presentation skills.
Must have good time management skills and be self-directing, especially if there is any downtime.
Must possess an unrestricted valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services plus two years of advocacy experience preferred.
Experience as a “peer” and a working knowledge of the mental health system and recovery process (including but not limited to 12 step programs, Self Help and other alternative methods) are preferred.
Bilingual (Spanish/English) capabilities a plus.
Knowledge of ASL also desirable.

Responsibilities

Maintain a current and working knowledge of systems, issues and legislation at both a local and statewide level which affect the persons we serve, this includes but is not limited to Social Security Benefits, Dept. of Social Services, Mental Hygiene Law, Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as Independent Living philosophy.
Network with mental health providers and community support services to maintain an integrated support system for young adults with psychiatric disabilities.
Assist persons to access and navigate community support services.
Facilitate and support the development of an integrated support network for individuals which includes but is not limited to case management, benefits advisement, supported housing, self-help, employment and educational services, in addition to other community supports individuals may wish to access.
Provide a set of core services geared toward promoting self-help, equal access, peer role modeling, personal growth and empowerment.
Provide counseling, time and attention, empathy, validation, someone to confide in and trust, guidance and modeling of effective community living on an as-needed basis, throughout the period of transition.
Share ideas and experiences about living with a disability in order to gain greater awareness and control over one’s own life.
Teach independent living skills that help people become self-sufficient in areas such as housing, travel transportation, personal self-management, employment, financial management and self-advocacy.
Provide information and referral services with resources and options that are necessary in making informed choices about living, learning, and working independently.
Encourage independence and autonomy by offering information, experiences and opportunities to make informed choices.
Provide individual and systems advocacy to address access to equal opportunities in exercising social, economic, educational, and legal rights.
Work with individuals, community organizations, state/national networks; to promote full inclusion of people with disabilities, and to improve the implementation of existing laws: federal, state, and local.
Offer employment readiness services to support consumers in their efforts to prepare to enter or re-enter the workforce (i.e. help with preparing resumes and completing job applications).
Provide and establish a set of core services geared toward youth promoting self-help, equal access, peer role modeling, personal growth and empowerment.
Encourage personal empowerment, self-determination, while promoting independent living skill development.
Complete all reporting and record keeping as required.
Attend and actively participate in all meetings and training sessions provided by the agency.
Provides screening, navigation, and care coordination through the Social Care Network, connecting individuals to appropriate services and documenting outcomes.
Actively contribute to the Emerging Adults Committee, supporting initiatives and cross-agency collaboration.