Youth Safe Spaces Youth Peer Advocate

ST JOHNS COMMUNITY SERVICES•City of Ithaca, NY

2d•$21 - $22•Onsite

About The Position

As one of the oldest non-profit organizations founded in the District of Columbia, St. John’s Community Services (SJCS) is committed to supporting and advocating for people of all abilities in New York, Delaware, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington D.C. SJCS works to advance inclusive communities where every person, regardless of circumstances, has the right and opportunity to live their best life. We are looking to add Youth Peer Advocate’s to our team. As a Youth Peer Advocate, you will support youth ages 12-24 participating in the Youth Safe Spaces Program. The Peer Advocate plays a vital role in creating a safe, supportive, and youth-centered environment for participants in the Youth Safe Spaces Program. Drawing from personal experience, empathy, and a commitment to positive youth development, the Peer Advocate helps engage youth in meaningful activities, connects them to community resources, and supports their personal growth and well-being. The Peer Advocate works collaboratively with program staff, community partners, and youth participants to foster a welcoming atmosphere that promotes inclusion, empowerment, self-advocacy, and community engagement. We are seeking to fill 1 Full-Time position and 2 Part-Time positions. Day time flexibility, evening, and weekend hours will be required.

Requirements

Prior experiencing working with youth, familiarity with Positive Youth Development, etc.
Current Youth Peer Advocate Credential through Families Together.
Ability to work effectively with youth from diverse backgrounds.
Commitment to creating inclusive, person-centered environments.
Flexible schedule including working evenings and weekends is required.
Obtain a valid health certificate to meet SJCS or current funding authority requirements as required.
Meet SJCS and the funding authority requirement of criminal background check, Justice Center Staff Exclusion List check, and State Central Registry check.
Ability to stand, walk, lift, and actively participate in program activities.
Ability to travel within the community as needed.
Ability to transport youth in agency-approved vehicles if required.

Nice To Haves

Young people ages 18-29 with lived experience in youth-serving systems, mental health services, or other relevant experience.
Credential, provisionally credentialed, or pursuing credentialing of Youth Peer Advocate. Candidates may file a provisional credential application within 3 months of employment.

Responsibilities

Engages youth, facilitates groups, and activities.
Models healthy coping and connection.
Navigates resources with youth.
Helps create a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment.
Provide peer support, encouragement, and mentorship using a strengths-based approach.
Assist in planning, organizing, and facilitating youth-led activities, workshops, and events.
Encourage youth participation in program activities and community engagement opportunities.
Help maintain a clean, organized, and safe environment.
Promote Positive Youth Development principles in all interactions.
Assist with outreach efforts to engage youth and increase program participation.
Support transportation, food distribution, and other program activities as needed.
Support reporting by keeping accurate program records.
Adhere to all policies, confidentiality standards, and local, state, and federal regulations.
Participate in required trainings, including credentialing as a Youth Peer Advocate through Families Together.
Perform other duties as assigned.