Youth Peer Advocate

Family Service League•Riverhead, NY

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 role provides services to youth enrolled in the High-Fidelity Wrap program for up to 15 hours weekly. The Youth Peer Advocate works with youth ages 5–21 who experience social, emotional, medical, developmental, substance use, and/or behavioral challenges at home, school, in a placement, or in the community. Travel is required. The listed schedule is Monday through Friday with a flexible schedule; total program hours are 19.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Must be 21 to 29 years old and self-identify as having first-hand experience with mental health or behavioral challenges, or co-occurring disorders.
Youth Peer Advocate credential required.
Must be able to use lived experience with a disability, mental health condition, juvenile justice system 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 identified goals, including skill building, coaching, engagement, bridging and transition support, self-advocacy, self-efficacy, empowerment, and 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 services in an EHR and communicate regularly.
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.