Youth Peer Advocate

Center for Family Life and Recovery • Village of Herkimer, NY

5h

About The Position

Job Summary: Youth Peer Advocates (YPA) is an individual between 18-30 years of age who has self-identified as a person who has first-hand experience with emotional (mental health), behavioral challenges, and/or co-occurring disorders as a young person or has received services in any one of the child-serving systems (juvenile justice, special education, substance use disorder, or foster care). YPAs use their lived experience to assist in supporting youth in their resilience/recovery and wellness.

Requirements

• High School Diploma and 2-4 years of related experience in human services, education, mental health/addictions field. Associate’s Degree preferred
• Have personal experience as a recipient of mental health services and/or substance abuse services with a willingness to share personal and practical experience, knowledge, and first-hand insight to benefit clients.
• Demonstrated ability in public speaking and program delivery.
• Current and valid NYS driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

• YPA Credential is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Case Management (30%): Youth Peer Advocates (YPAs) provide individualized, youth-centered support to young people experiencing social, emotional, behavioral, developmental, or co-occurring challenges in their home, school, placement, or community. Utilizing their lived experience with mental health, substance use, special education, foster care, juvenile justice, or other child-serving systems, YPAs build structured, strength-based relationships grounded in trust, mutual respect, and authenticity. YPAs support youth in identifying personal strengths, setting meaningful goals, and developing practical coping and self-advocacy skills that promote resiliency, recovery, and overall wellness. They assist youth in navigating systems of care, understanding their rights, and actively participating in service planning. YPAs provide encouragement, role modeling, and consistent support to help youth build confidence, strengthen decision-making skills, and increase independence while maintaining a trauma-informed and culturally responsive approach.
• Groups (25%): YPAs facilitate structured group sessions and support groups for teens and young adults, including PINS Diversion groups and other youth-focused workshops. These groups focus on topics such as emotional regulation, healthy relationships, coping skills, self-advocacy, leadership development, substance use awareness, and life skills development. YPAs create a safe, inclusive, and non-judgmental space where youth feel empowered to share experiences and learn from one another. Through guided discussions and interactive activities, YPAs foster peer connection, resilience, and positive identity development. Responsibilities include planning group curricula, preparing materials, tracking attendance, documenting sessions, and ensuring group activities align with program goals and youth needs.
• Community Outreach/Collaborating with Community Resources (20%): YPAs collaborate with community agencies, schools, probation departments, child welfare services, and other youth-serving organizations to strengthen coordinated care and increase youth engagement in services. They actively participate in outreach efforts to connect with youth who may benefit from peer support services, including attending community events, school-based initiatives, and partnership meetings. YPAs help youth access community-based resources such as educational programs, vocational training, recreational opportunities, housing supports, and behavioral health services. By building relationships within the community, YPAs contribute to creating a supportive network that promotes youth voice, empowerment, and successful transition into adulthood.
• Meetings (13%): YPAs participate in regular staff meetings, supervision sessions, case conferences, and interdisciplinary team meetings to ensure coordinated and effective service delivery. They contribute to the youth perspective during treatment planning and service coordination discussions, advocating for youth voice and choice. YPAs engage in ongoing professional development and require trainings to enhance their knowledge of peer support practices, trauma-informed care, cultural competency, and relevant systems of care. Active participation in meetings ensures alignment with agency standards and supports professional growth.
• Documentations (12%): YPAs are responsible for maintaining accurate, timely, and confidential documentation in accordance with agency policies and regulatory requirements. This includes completing intake documentation, service plans, progress notes, group notes, and other required records that reflect strength-based, youth-driven interventions. Documentation clearly outlines goals, services provided, youth progress, and outcomes. YPAs maintain organized and up-to-date records to ensure continuity of care and compliance with HIPAA and other applicable standards.

What This Job Offers

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