Youth Peer Advocate

• Youth Peer Advocate (YPA) services are formal and informal services and supports provided to youth who are experiencing social, medical, emotional, developmental, substance use, and/or behavioral challenges in their home, school, placement, and/or community.
• These services provide the support necessary to ensure engagement and active participation of the youth in the treatment planning process and support the ongoing implementation and reinforcement of skills.
• Services are delivered in a trauma informed, culturally and linguistically competent manner.
• Services offer positive youth development-centered services with a resiliency/recovery focus.
• The YPA will promote skills for coping and managing psychiatric symptoms and will facilitate the use of natural and community supports and resources.
• In addition, the YPA will promote wellness through modeling and will assist with gaining and regaining the ability to make independent choices and playing a proactive role in their own treatment.

Key Responsibilities

• Engage the youth in a variety of strategies to work toward identified goals, including but not limited to: strengthening problem solving skills; providing mentoring; engaging in community resource exploration; and providing life skills support
• Engage in regular communication 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 with a person-centered, trauma informed philosophy in alignment with the values of GMH
• Maintain appropriate professional standards
• Due to the nature of the program, must be able to work a flexible schedule
• Other designated or related duties

Competencies

• The YPA should have strong engagement skills and a 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 based on diversity of cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
• Highly organized, detail oriented, and self-motivated.
• Knowledge of the signs of psychiatric crises and de-escalation techniques

Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s)

• Timely and accurate documentation in accordance with GMH documentation policy.
• Ensure that all productivity expectations are met.
• Meet all professional development & training expectations.

Requirements

• The Youth Peer Advocate must have a high school diploma, high school equivalency, or a State Education Commencement Credential (SACC or CDOS).
• Must be an individual 18 to 29 years old who has self-identified as a consumer of mental health services, juvenile justice system, substance use services, special education services, or foster care
• Must be eligible for the Youth Peer Advocate Provisional Credential with the expectation of obtaining the full credential within 24 months of commencing employment. Must maintain Youth Peer Advocate Professional Credential.
• Strong computer knowledge: typing, communication tools, scheduling tools and web browsers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and database management systems.
• Fluency in English (Reading, Writing, Speaking).
• Must be cleared and maintain clearance by applicable regulatory clearances as required.
• Legally eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.
• Must be reliable and able to work independently and understand the importance of maintaining confidentiality.
• Must have a valid Driver’s License and a driving record that is satisfactory to our insurance carrier. The Youth Peer Advocate will be using agency vehicles and is responsible for adhering to Agency Driver Policy.
• Must maintain current New York State Defensive Driving certification.

Special Considerations

• Hours per week, reporting structure, and location are subject to change per program needs.

Mandated Reporter

This is a Mandated Reporter position. The NYS Justice Center legislation defines anyone who has regular and substantial contact with any person with special needs as a “custodian” under the law and, therefore, a mandated reporter. You can be held liable by both the civil and criminal legal systems for intentionally failing to make a report.

Greater Mental Health of New York is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Greater Mental Health of New York is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request a reasonable accommodation, contact the Human Resources Department.

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