Youth Peer Advocate

Greater Mental Health of New York • Tarrytown, NY

10h • Hybrid

About The Position

Youth Peer Advocate (YPA) services are formal and informal services and supports provided to youth who are experiencing social, medical, emotional, developmental, substance use, and/or behavioral challenges in their home, school, placement, and/or community. These services provide the support necessary to ensure engagement and active participation of the youth in the treatment planning process and support the ongoing implementation and reinforcement of skills. Services are delivered in a trauma-informed, culturally and linguistically competent manner. Services offer positive youth development-centered services with a resiliency/recovery focus. The YPA will promote skills for coping and managing psychiatric symptoms and will facilitate the use of natural and community supports and resources. In addition, the YPA will promote wellness through modeling and will assist with gaining and regaining the ability to make independent choices and playing a proactive role in their own treatment.

Requirements

• The Youth Peer Advocate must have a high school diploma, high school equivalency, or a State Education Commencement Credential (SACC or CDOS).
• Must be an individual 18 to 29 years old who has self-identified as a consumer of mental health services, juvenile justice system, substance use services, special education services, or foster care
• Must be eligible for the Youth Peer Advocate Provisional Credential with the expectation of obtaining the full credential within 24 months of commencing employment.
• Must maintain Youth Peer Advocate Professional Credential.
• Strong computer knowledge: typing, communication tools, scheduling tools and web browsers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and database management systems.
• Fluency in English (Reading, Writing, Speaking).
• Must be cleared and maintain clearance by applicable regulatory clearances as required.
• Legally eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.
• Must be reliable and able to work independently and understand the importance of maintaining confidentiality.
• Must have a valid Driver’s License and a driving record that is satisfactory to our insurance carrier.
• The Youth Peer Advocate will be using agency vehicles and is responsible for adhering to Agency Driver Policy.
• Must maintain current New York State Defensive Driving certification.

Nice To Haves

• The YPA should have strong engagement skills and a demonstrated ability to relate well to children/youth and young adults.
• Familiarity with and ability to use an Electronic Health Record system.
• Experience understanding family systems based on diversity of cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
• Highly organized, detail oriented, and self-motivated.
• Knowledge of the signs of psychiatric crises and de-escalation techniques

Responsibilities

• Engage the youth in a variety of strategies to work toward identified goals, including but not limited to: strengthening problem-solving skills; providing mentoring; engaging in community resource exploration; and providing life skills support
• Engage in regular communication with the child’s team, to ensure continuity of care
• Document client progress and maintain a permanent record of client activity according to established methods and procedures
• Practice with a person-centered, trauma-informed philosophy in alignment with the values of GMH
• Maintain appropriate professional standards
• Due to the nature of the program, must be able to work a flexible schedule
• Other designated or related duties

Benefits

• 403(b)-with employer contribution after 1 year of service
• Flexible Work Arrangements: subject to business needs, including hybrid options.
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off-15 days per year
• Paid sick time-12 days per year
• Employer paid Holidays-11 days per year
• Professional Development: Opportunities for advancement, training programs, and support for certifications and continuing education.
• Additional Perks: Free EAP services and employee discounts (travel, hotels, movie tickets, theme parks, services, electronics, auto, shopping, and more)!
• Gym reimbursement through employer's medical insurance carrier.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): qualifying employer

What This Job Offers

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