Peer Partner Advocate (Former Foster Youth ONLY)
About The Position
The Peer Partner serves as a voice for youth receiving treatment in a Paradise Oaks Youth Services (POYS) mental health program. As part of the child and family team, the Peer Partner provides peer coaching and mentoring, in-home support, meeting accompaniment, community resource information, and service advocacy. The role collaborates with leadership and treatment teams to ensure youth perspectives are represented and to improve the quality of POYS services. The Peer Partner provides individual and group services in clinic and community settings, supports youth in identifying strengths and developing their own voice, and helps connect them with resources and relationships. The position advocates for youth without providing clinical advice, maintains professional boundaries, participates in treatment planning and community meetings, and completes required service documentation. Peer Partners are not responsible for direct client supervision and are not counted in supervision ratios.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED.
- Must have recently received direct services through the public mental health system as a youth; having worked with youth who received public mental health services does not substitute for this requirement.
- Must not currently be receiving services from the agency.
- Valid California Driver’s License.
- Must meet agency requirements for driving a van.
Nice To Haves
- Completion of at least 12 units in Child Development, Psychology, Social Work, or a similar field.
Responsibilities
- Provide individual mentorship and support to youth served in the agency’s mental health programs.
- Communicate, represent, and advocate for the youth perspective within the clinic.
- Collaborate with team members in POYS programs.
- Guide youth in exploring and articulating their values and beliefs and finding their own voice.
- Provide individual and group services in clinic and community settings that meet youth and family needs.
- Help youth identify personal and cultural strengths and incorporate those assets into treatment plans.
- Identify useful information and resources in local communities.
- Participate in intake processes and interview meetings as assigned.
- Participate in staff trainings and presentations regarding peer advocacy, as required.
- Orient staff to the Youth Peer Mentor role and philosophy.
- Advocate, educate, make referrals to clinical and program staff, and support youth without providing clinical advice.
- Mentor youth as a positive role model while maintaining professional boundaries.
- Assist youth in developing and maintaining healthy peer and adult relationships.
- Consult on treatment and outreach approaches for youth.
- Participate in treatment planning and case conferences as part of the child and family team.
- Share personal and firsthand experiences to support a strength-based, client- and family-friendly atmosphere.
- Participate in at least one county community advisory meeting per quarter, as determined with the Clinical Director.
- Attend the Youth Advocate Committee (YAC) with Youth Peer Mentors from other county provider agencies.
- Attend quarterly Child Family Services Provider and Service Provider meetings.
- Complete required service documentation in accordance with state, county, and company policies.
- Maintain quarterly productivity of 20%.
- Document interventions with youth and families thoroughly and promptly.
- Perform other tasks assigned by the supervisor that are consistent with the job duties.
- Attend all staff trainings pursuant to POYS policy and procedure.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
High school or GED
