Peer Advocate

Liberty Resources•Syracuse, NY

About The Position

Liberty Resources is seeking a Youth Peer Advocate for its Integrated Health Care Clinic in Syracuse, New York. Under the supervision of the Program Supervisor or designee, the Youth Peer Advocate provides formal and informal services and supports to youth experiencing social, medical, emotional, developmental, substance use, and/or behavioral challenges in home, school, placement, and community settings. The role promotes youth engagement and active participation in treatment planning, as well as the ongoing implementation and reinforcement of skills. The advocate draws on lived experience and recovery to provide peer support, skill building, coaching, engagement, advocacy, and resiliency services to youth and families in the clinic and community. The position also supports transitions in care and into adulthood, helps youth navigate systems and connect with community resources, and contributes to coordinated, person-centered care. The role requires completing program documentation, participating in supervision and professional development, following agency policies, responding to emergencies, and traveling to appointments as needed.

Requirements

High school diploma or high school equivalency.
Demonstrated lived experience as a youth or young adult navigating social, emotional, behavioral health, or related systems.
Ability to use lived experience to effectively support, engage, and empower youth.
New York State Credentialed Youth Peer Advocate (YPA), or willingness to obtain the credential within one year.
Valid New York State driver’s license and access to a personal vehicle.
Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and engagement skills.
Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Proficiency with electronic health records.
Demonstrated critical-thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

Provide one-to-one peer support, skill building, coaching, engagement, advocacy, and resiliency services to youth and families in the clinic and community, drawing on personal lived experience and recovery.
Promote hope, wellness, and empowerment by modeling resiliency and sharing personal recovery experiences when appropriate.
Support youth through transitions in care and into adulthood, including system navigation, connections to community resources, and accompaniment to appointments and meetings.
Facilitate or coordinate youth peer resiliency and recovery support groups.
Collaborate with care and patient navigators to promote continuity of care.
Participate as an active member of the interdisciplinary team and contribute to comprehensive care plans.
Incorporate youth and family preferences, beliefs, and strengths into service delivery.
Complete required assessments, progress notes, care plans, quality monitoring, incident reporting, and other documentation in accordance with agency, program, and regulatory standards.
Participate in supervision, staff meetings, trainings, and professional development.
Maintain required certifications and follow agency policies.
Respond to emergencies and travel to appointments as needed.