YOUTH PEER ADVOCATE

Family Service League Inc.•Brentwood, NY

19h•$22 - $23

About The Position

Family Service League is seeking a part-time Youth Peer Advocate for its Children and Family Treatment and Support Services (CFTSS) program. The advocate delivers services to youth enrolled in the High-Fidelity Wrap program, serving youth ages 5–21 who experience social, emotional, medical, developmental, substance use, and/or behavioral challenges in their home, school, placement, or community. Services may be provided for up to 15 hours weekly, and travel is required. The Youth Peer Advocate meets with clients in their homes and communities, supports progress toward treatment plan goals, and helps youth build skills, self-advocacy, self-efficacy, empowerment, community connections, and natural supports. The advocate collaborates with the High-Fidelity Wrap Care Manager, Family Peer Advocate, and other CFTSS and care management staff; attends team meetings; documents services in an EHR; and transports youth as needed. The position requires sitting for extended periods and traveling to client homes, community settings, and FSL offices.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Must be 21 to 29 years old and self-identify as someone with firsthand experience with mental health or behavioral challenges, or co-occurring disorders.
Youth Peer Advocate credential.
Ability to use lived experience with a disability, mental health condition, juvenile justice involvement, special education, substance use disorder, and/or foster care to support youth in resiliency, recovery, and wellness.
Prior experience working with children.
Excellent interpersonal, engagement, verbal, and written communication skills.
Ability to be creative and present ideas and skills in a variety of ways.
Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office.
Valid and clean New York State driver's license.
Must own a reliable car that is properly insured, registered, and maintained for travel between worksites.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with children with special needs.
Bilingual in Spanish.

Responsibilities

Meet weekly with clients in their homes and communities.
Help youth develop skills toward goals, focusing on skill building, coaching, engagement, bridging and transition support, self-advocacy, self-efficacy, empowerment, community connections, and natural supports.
Attend monthly child and family team meetings.
Work closely with the High-Fidelity Wrap Care Manager and Family Peer Advocate.
Document in an EHR and conduct regular communication.
Develop treatment plan goals.
Transport youth as needed.
Work as part of a team with other CFTSS and care management staff.
Participate in monthly staff and team meetings, in person or by phone.
Perform other duties as assigned.