Youth Peer Advocate

Greater Mental Health of New York•Tarrytown, NY

19h

About The Position

The Youth Peer Advocate (YPA) provides formal and informal support to youth experiencing social, medical, emotional, developmental, substance use, or behavioral challenges at home, school, in placement, or in the community. The role helps youth engage and participate actively in treatment planning and supports the ongoing implementation and reinforcement of skills. Services are delivered using trauma-informed, culturally and linguistically competent practices, with a positive youth development, resiliency, and recovery focus. The YPA promotes coping and management of psychiatric symptoms, connects youth with natural and community supports, models wellness, and helps youth develop or regain the ability to make independent choices and take an active role in their treatment. The position is based in Tarrytown, New York, within the Children & Family Treatment & Support Services program, and reports to the Youth ACT Team Leader. It is full-time, non-exempt, and scheduled for 35 hours per week. The schedule must be flexible to meet program needs. The listed salary is $50,000 annually. Hours, reporting structure, and location may change based on program needs. This is a mandated reporter position.

Requirements

High school diploma, high school equivalency, or a State Education Commencement Credential (SACC or CDOS).
Must be 18 to 29 years old and self-identify as a consumer of mental health services, the juvenile justice system, substance use services, special education services, or foster care.
Must be eligible for the Youth Peer Advocate Provisional Credential and expected to obtain the full credential within 24 months of commencing employment.
Must maintain the Youth Peer Advocate Professional Credential.
Strong computer knowledge, including typing, communication tools, scheduling tools, and web browsers.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and database management systems.
Fluency in English (reading, writing, and speaking).
Must be cleared and maintain clearance through applicable regulatory checks.
Legally eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.
Reliable, able to work independently, and able to maintain confidentiality.
Valid driver’s license and a driving record satisfactory to the organization’s insurance carrier.
Must adhere to the Agency Driver Policy when using agency vehicles.
Must maintain current New York State Defensive Driving certification.
Strong engagement skills and 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 across diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and self-motivated.
Knowledge of signs of psychiatric crises and de-escalation techniques.

Responsibilities

Engage youth in strategies toward identified goals, including strengthening problem-solving skills, mentoring, exploring community resources, and providing life-skills support.
Communicate regularly 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 using a person-centered, trauma-informed philosophy aligned with the organization’s values.
Maintain appropriate professional standards.
Work a flexible schedule as required by the nature of the program.
Meet productivity expectations and professional development and training expectations.
Perform other designated or related duties.
Fulfill mandated reporter obligations.

Benefits

403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution after one year of service.
Flexible work arrangements, subject to business needs, including hybrid options.
Medical insurance.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
Life insurance.
15 days of paid time off per year.
12 days of paid sick time per year.
11 employer-paid holidays per year.
Professional development opportunities, including advancement, training programs, and support for certifications and continuing education.
Free employee assistance program services.
Employee discounts on travel, hotels, movie tickets, theme parks, services, electronics, autos, and shopping.
Gym reimbursement through the employer’s medical insurance carrier.
Qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).