Peer Advocate

Acenda Health•Mount Holly, NJ

About The Position

The Peer Advocate provides assertive outreach and engagement to young adults transitioning out of foster care in Burlington County, offering consistent support and connection to services. The role helps participants build life skills, including maintaining housing, developing employment and social skills, managing benefits, and navigating conflict. The advocate uses professional training and strategies alongside lived experience, where appropriate, to guide and empower participants. Connect to Home is a supportive housing model working with the Department of Children and Families Office of Housing and the Department of Community Affairs. It supports youth and parenting youth in Burlington County who are currently involved with the Division of Child Protection and Permanency or have previously been in its custody for at least one day, and who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Participants are identified by Burlington County DCP&P offices. The housing-first program supplements safe and stable housing with voluntary supportive services. Acenda Integrated Health provides behavioral health programs across New Jersey, including mental health services, crisis care, substance use recovery, family therapy, maternal and pediatric support, and residential programs. Acenda values evidence-based practice. The organization describes its culture as innovative and mission-driven, with opportunities to grow and learn.

Requirements

High school diploma.
At least one year of professional experience.
Previous lived experience in the child welfare system or homelessness/severe risk of homelessness.
Passion for working with young adults, especially those with complicated needs and histories.
Maintain a valid driver's license, use of an insured vehicle, and an acceptable driving record.

Nice To Haves

Spanish proficiency; a $1.50 differential is added to the base rate for Spanish-proficient employees.

Responsibilities

Provide assertive outreach and engagement to young adults transitioning out of foster care and residing in Burlington County.
Assist participants in developing life skills, including resolving interpersonal conflict, maintaining housing, developing work, safety, and social skills, and managing or receiving benefits.
Use training and professional strategies, together with lived experience where appropriate, to assist and support program participants and the provider agency.