Youth Peer Advocate

Hope for Youth•Bay Shore, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Hope For Youth has been providing services for children, youth, and families for over 50 years. The Suffolk County Youth Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) program, licensed by the NY State Office of Mental Health, is designed to support children aged 10 to 21 who are at risk of entering, or are returning from, high-intensity services like inpatient or residential settings. This program utilizes a multidisciplinary team approach to address the significant needs of children with complex psychiatric conditions who require intensive interventions to avoid institutional care or to facilitate a successful transition back into the community. Hope For Youth is currently seeking a Youth Peer Advocate (YPA) for its ACT program. YPAs are individuals aged 18-30 who self-identify as having personal experience with mental health and/or co-occurring behavioral health challenges. In their role, Peer Advocates serve as role models, educate recipients on self-help techniques and group processes, teach effective coping strategies based on lived experience, and impart symptom management skills.

Requirements

Youth Peer Advocate Credential with one year experience
Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office Suite, and experience working with EHRs
Highschool Diploma or GED
Valid NYS driver's license in good standing
Physical Requirements: read/write reports and log entries, walking/standing/sitting for prolonged periods, bending/stooping, kneeling/squatting, climbing stairs, reaching overhead, repetitive wrist/finger movements, daily driving own vehicle (mileage reimbursement is available)

Nice To Haves

Family Peer Advocate experience

Responsibilities

Function within the policies and procedures as outlined in program practice guide and employee manual
Adhere to state regulations and applicable code of conduct
Work within an interdisciplinary team to assist client in their overall functioning and achieve desired outcomes
Provide rehabilitative support services through an array of formal and non-formal services to the parent, family member or caregiver for the benefit of the child/youth
Offer support necessary to ensure engagement and active participation of the youth in the treatment planning process and the ongoing implementation and reinforcement of skills
Engage youth in services that provides the opportunity for the youth to expand their skills and strategies necessary to move forward in meeting their personal, individualized life goals, develop self-advocacy skills, and to support their transition into adulthood
Attend trainings and professional development as assigned
Attend daily team meetings and family meetings as assigned
Provide transportation for client to their service location as necessary
Perform other resulting and necessary work to meet the needs and requirements of the clients, the program, Hope For Youth, oversight agency and any other regulatory obligations

Benefits

Excellent training and leadership opportunities
Meaningful work that makes a difference in the lives of children and families of Long Island
Supportive like-minded, mission-driven co-workers
Diverse Culture that promotes recognition and belonging
Advancement and supplemental pay opportunities
Free Training programs
Free Tuition Credits
Scholarships and Tuition Assistance
Employees may be eligible for Student Loan Forgiveness Programs
Special Events and Recognition Awards
Volunteer and Internship opportunities available within
Medical
Dental
Vision
HRA with HSA and Co-pay options available
91% Employer-paid medical premiums
Generous paid time off
Agency-funded Pension Plan
Pre-tax savings plans: self-directed 403(b)
529
Aflac
Agency-paid life insurance and disability
For some positions, long-term disability