Youth Peer Advocate

Behavioral Health Services North Inc • Town of Queensbury, NY

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Youth Peer Advocate (YPA) provides mentorship and peer support to young people navigating social, emotional, medical, developmental, substance use, and/or behavioral health challenges. This role centers on using personal lived experience in recovery and/or with systems of care in New York State, such as mental health, juvenile justice, special education, or foster care, to promote resiliency, self-advocacy, and personal empowerment.

Note: Per New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) credentialing standards, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria, including lived experience and an age requirement at the time of credentialing. For more information, refer to the OMH Youth Peer Advocate Credentialing Guidelines at https://www.omh.ny.gov/

Requirements

• Eligibility for the New York State Youth Peer Advocate Credential (Provisional or Full), which includes specific lived experience and age-based eligibility at the time of credentialing
• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Lived experience with social, emotional, behavioral, medical, developmental, or substance use challenges, and/or involvement with New York State child-serving systems (i.e. juvenile justice, foster care, special education)
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability and willingness to use lived experience as a strength in peer engagement
• Valid New York State driver’s license and reliable transportation for travel within the region
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, or variable schedules, as needed

Responsibilities

• Support youth in developing self-advocacy and decision-making skills
• Assist in connecting youth to formal and informal community supports, including peer-led support groups
• Serve as a mentor, advocate, and bridge to help remove barriers to care or education
• Support youth with navigating educational accommodations such as 504 Plans and IEPs
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and required trainings
• Maintain knowledge of agency, state, and federal policies, including crisis protocols
• Complete all documentation in accordance with agency and regulatory standards
• Accompany youth to relevant appointments or meetings for mentoring and support
• Provide transportation assistance when necessary and authorized
• Uphold all confidentiality and HIPAA standards
• Work flexible hours based on client and program needs
• Use lived experience to promote hope and model recovery to youth and families
• Organize and facilitate youth resiliency and peer support groups
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Comprehensive Benefits: Personalized health coverage, paid time off, and holiday pay
• Real Impact: Contribute to life-changing work in your own community
• Supportive Culture: Collaborative teams, hands-on leadership, and coaching for growth
• Growth Potential: As we expand, so do your career opportunities
• Extra Perks: Community discounts, potential loan forgiveness, and more

What This Job Offers

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