Youth Peer Advocate

Public Health Solutions - Brooklyn, NY

- Entry Level

Brooklyn, NY

Social Assistance

About the position

The Youth Peer Advocate (YPA) provides critical support services to youth experiencing social, emotional, developmental, substance use, and/or behavioral challenges. Candidates must be between 18 and 30 years of age and self-identify as a person who has first-hand experience with social, emotional, medical developmental, or substance use challenges, or experience in the juvenile justice, special education and /or foster care systems. The YPA is a core member of the FYPS Program and will be based at the PHS Sexual and Reproductive Health Centers. This is an office and community-based position; candidates will need to be able to travel locally within NYC.

Responsibilities

• Work with socially, economically, culturally, and ethnically diverse groups in a mutually respectful manner using a strength-based approach.
• Support youth with navigating child-serving system to obtain the necessary support and resources needed to be successful in their mental and emotional well-being and obtaining the services they needed.
• Complete enrollment and generate service plans in collaboration with the youth based on their needs, strengths and self-identified goals.
• Support youth in achieving the goals outlined in the service plan through group services, individual services, making referrals, preparing them for meetings and appointments, filling out applications and paperwork, etc.
• Facilitate or co-facilitate workshops and support groups for youth enrolled in the FYPS program.
• Coach and Model shared decision-making skills to support collaborations and execution of their services plan.
• Encourage positive social behavior in youth and build community social networks.
• Organize and support social and recreational activities organized for youth and families.
• Conduct outreach including presentations, email blasts, social media blasts, fairs and events, neighborhood canvasing.
• Attend meetings, councils, committees, and other convening bodies as identified by supervisor.
• Document community needs and issues identified during outreach, meeting with families and youth, or from the different meetings attended.
• Support supervisor to develop partnerships and collaborate directly with borough residents, service providers, and other community organizations to address social disparities that limit people's ability to navigate child service systems successfully.
• Participate in community level committees/forums and school meetings to represent the youth's perspective and influence policy.
• Connect youth to support systems within their own community.
• Make referrals for needed services and additional support as needed.
• Follow up on any referrals provided to ensure successful linkage.
• Support and encourage family and youth participation in community, regional state, national activities to develop their leadership skills, and encourage civic stewardship.
• Work with the Family Peer Advocate to provide a comprehensive approach to supporting families with needs and concerns.
• Participate in agency and Brooklyn Alliance community awareness events.
• Be an active participant in their supervision by providing agenda items, concerns, issues, requests, or needs as relates to the job, service provision, professional development, professional and personal growth.
• Work with Health Education Team staff as needed for collaborative project execution.
• Participate in trainings, workshops, symposiums, conferences, and other events for professional development and advancing knowledge and skill around peer support, mental health, advocacy, or other areas of work related to job responsibilities.
• Receive and document referral status and outcomes made by CBOs or other entities or individuals looking to refer a family, parents/caregivers, or youth in need of FYPS services.
• Document all efforts, activities, and engagement with youth in Maven database in a timely manner.
• Conduct intakes to gather information and support youth in developing goals that meets the FYPS model.

Requirements

• Must have a minimum of a High-School degree or GED.
• Two years of relevant experience and to be a Certified Peer Advocate within 12 months of hire.
• Must fill all eligibility to attain the NYS Families Together Professional Youth Peer Advocate Credential.
• Interest and/or prior experience in public speaking and providing presentations to priority populations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team.
• Attention to detail and excellent time management, organizational, and oral and written communication skills required.
• Abilities to adapt to the needs of diverse audiences and facilitate discussions of sensitive material.
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and/or weekends.

Nice-to-haves

• Bilingual preferred.

Benefits

• Generous Paid Time Off and Holidays.
• An attractive and comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental and Vision.
• Flexible Spending Accounts and Commuter Benefits.
• Company Paid Life Insurance and Disability Coverage.
• 403 (b) + employer matching and discretionary company contributions.
• College Savings Plan.
• Ongoing training and continuous opportunities for professional growth and development.