Youth Peer Advocate

Vanderheyden, Inc.•City of Troy, NY

1d•$20 - $22•Hybrid

About The Position

The Youth Peer Advocate is responsible for providing Youth Peer Support and Training Services to youth who experience social, emotional, developmental, medical, substance abuse, and/or behavioral challenges in their home, school, placement, and/or community. The Youth Peer Advocate will function as a member of a triad team including a Family Peer Advocate and a High-Fidelity Wraparound (HFW) Care Manager. This is a full-time position requiring travel between locations in the Capital District/Troy area.

Requirements

Must be between the ages of 18 and 30.
Self-identify as having personal experience with mental health, juvenile justice, special education, or foster care and/or is in recovery from substance abuse.
Use lived experience to assist in supporting youth in their resiliency/recovery wellness.
Completed or be able to complete Youth Peer Advocate required training and credentialing.
Must have valid NYS Driver's license and clean MVR. May be required to complete an online Defensive Driving course.
Knowledge of community resources.
Demonstrate active listening skills.
Ability to facilitate meetings with a large number of participants.
Ability and willingness to share personal knowledge and experience with youth-serving systems.
Comfortable making home visits and working with a broadly diverse population.
Knowledge of basic computing systems such as Outlook, Word, Excel, and the ability to learn and navigate proprietary systems.
Must be available to work a 40-hour work week.
Must be able to lift 25 pounds.
Requires sitting for long periods of time, as well as: standing, stooping, squatting, kneeling, and climbing stairs.
Use of hands and fingers to execute daily tasks.
Must be able to stand and run for moderate periods of time.
Must be able to perform restraints and maintain TCI certification.
Willingness to respond to the needs of a culturally diverse population.

Nice To Haves

High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.

Responsibilities

Work closely in collaboration with the other members of the triad team.
Engage the child/family to begin the partnership and connection to service delivery.
Conduct youth assessments to determine youth strengths and needs to inform the child’s CANS-NY and comprehensive assessment.
Assist the youth in carrying out specific tasks to meet the youth’s plan of care goals.
Provide Service components including: Skill Attainment Assistance and Skill Building, Coaching, Self-Advocacy, Self-Efficacy and Empowerment, Engagement, Bridging, and Transition Support, Community Connections and Natural Supports.
Demonstrate qualities of leadership including knowledge of advocacy and group development and/or facilitation of peer-to-peer groups or activities.
Participate in regularly scheduled supervision.
Perform all reasonable, related duties as assigned.