Youth Peer Advocate

Vibrant Emotional Health•New York, NY

1d•$29 - $33•Onsite

About The Position

To advocate for youth participants and ensure that their voices are heard and goals clearly articulated. The Peer Youth Advocate will be responsible for engaging youth in order to assist them in identifying their needs as well as achieving their goals. The Peer Youth Advocate will be an integral part of the Adolescent Skills Center team and will participate in supportive, recreational and educational activities offered to youth participants. The main focus will be to advocate for youth in all aspects of the work and supporting them through a strength-based approach.

Requirements

Experience with the mental health system as a consumer, family member or educational experience
Completion of a High School Diploma or GED; Some college or college intentions preferred
Basic knowledge of Microsoft office
Ability to develop new skills in public speaking
Basic knowledge of the child/youth serving systems of NYC
Basic advocacy and empowerment skills
Bilingual and bicultural candidates are encouraged to apply
Candidates possessing exceptional skill but not all of the qualifications are also encouraged to apply

Responsibilities

Serves as a role model for Adolescent Skills Center program participants
Work in collaboration with ASC staff in engaging youth in planning their own care and advocating for their voices to be heard.
The ability to share personal knowledge and experiences about the youth serving systems and resources available to youth in NYC.
Provides support to ASC staff with co-facilitation of daily group activities.
Provide support to youth at appointments, community and family meetings when necessary
Provides youth with public health and psycho-education regarding mental health and topics that directly relate to youth or hot topics in the community.
Assists in the organization of social, recreational and educational activities
Represent the interests of participant youth with emotional/behavioral challenges in a variety of public forums and advisory groups.
Promote problem solving and decision-making skill development, particularly in the three domains of the ASC, (education, vocation and social-emotional wellness)
Carry a case load of Vocational and D-75 Students. Manage charts and ensure all documentation is up to date.
Additional duties as assigned