Peer Advocate

Liberty Resources, Inc. • Syracuse, NY

8d • $50,000 - $55,000

About The Position

Liberty Resources is seeking a Youth Peer Advocate for its Integrated Health Care Clinic in Syracuse, NY. 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 supports youth engagement and active participation in treatment planning, as well as the ongoing implementation and reinforcement of skills.

The advocate draws on personal lived experience and recovery to provide peer support, skill building, coaching, engagement, advocacy, and resiliency services to youth and families. The role also supports transitions in care and into adulthood, promotes hope and empowerment, coordinates peer support groups, collaborates with an interdisciplinary team, and completes required documentation. The advocate participates in supervision, meetings, training, and professional development; maintains required certifications; follows agency policies; responds to emergencies; and travels 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.
• 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 clinic and community settings, 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 and 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 that incorporate youth and family preferences, beliefs, and strengths.
• 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, training, and professional development.
• Maintain required certifications, follow agency policies, respond to emergencies, and travel to appointments as needed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED