Youth Peer Advocate

Job Description

Job Description

For more than 50 years, Hope For Youth has provided services for children, youth and families.

The Suffolk County Youth Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) is a program licensed by the NY State Office of Mental Health and designed to address the significant needs of children ages 10 up to 21, who are at risk of entering, or are returning home from high intensity services, such as inpatient settings or residential services, using a multi-disciplinary team. Children with significant psychiatric needs, who are at risk of institutional level of care, require intensive interventions to adequately support the child and family's complex needs, to avoid high end services or facilitate and support a successful transition back to community.

HFY is currently seeking a Youth Peer Advocates (YPA) or a Family Peer Advocate for its ACT program. This is the YPA position. 

YPAs are individuals aged 18-30 years old, who self-identify as a person who has first-hand experience with mental health and/or co-occurring behavioral health challenges. Peer advocates are in a unique position to serve role models, educate recipients about self-help techniques and self-help group processes, teach effective coping strategies based on personal lived experience and teach symptom management skills.

To be a successful Family Peer Advocate you must be ready, willing, and able to do the following always:

1. Function within the policies and procedures as outlined in program practice guide and employee manual

2. Adhere to state regulations and applicable code of conduct

3. Work within an interdisciplinary team to assist client in their overall functioning and achieve desired outcomes

4. Provide rehabilitative support services through an array of formal and non-formal services to the parent, family member or caregiver for the benefit of the child/youth.

5. Offer support necessary to ensure engagement and active participation of the youth in the treatment planning process and the ongoing implementation and reinforcement of skills

6. Engage youth in services that provides the opportunity for the youth to expand their skills and strategies necessary to move forward in meeting their [personal, individualized life goals, develop self-advocacy skills, and to support their transition into adulthood

7. Attend trainings and professional development as assigned

8. Attend daily team meetings and family meetings as assigned

9. Provide transportation for client to their service location as necessary

10. Perform other resulting and necessary work to meet the needs and requirements of the clients, the program, Hope For Youth, oversight agency and any other regulatory obligations

How you will generally spend your time in this job:

60% Direct family therapeutic contact including transportation

20% Case documentation, reports, case related meetings

20% Staff/team meetings/supervision/training

Minimum qualifications for this job to have and maintain are: 

1. Youth Peer Advocate Credential with one year experience

2. Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office Suite, and experience working with EHRs.

3. Highschool Diploma or GED

4. Valid NYS driver's license in good standing

5. Physical Requirements: read/write reports and log entries, walking/standing/sitting for prolonged periods, bending/stooping, kneeling/squatting, climbing stairs, reaching overhead, repetitive wrist/finger movements, daily driving own vehicle (mileage reimbursement is available).

This Opportunity is being offered as Full Time, 35-hour work week (flexible hours)

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Please include a resume, cover letter and salary requirements.

Excellent training and leadership opportunities available throughout employment and more.

Here are some of the other benefits of working for Hope for Youth.

• Meaningful work that makes a difference in the lives of children and families of Long Island!

• Supportive like-minded, mission-driven co-workers

• Diverse Culture that promotes recognition and belonging

• Advancement and supplemental pay opportunities

• Free Training programs, Free Tuition Credits, Scholarships and Tuition Assistance

• Employees may be eligible for Student Loan Forgiveness Programs

• Special Events and Recognition Awards

• Volunteer and Internship opportunities available within

• Benefit eligibility commences on the first of the month following the first 30 days of employment – Medical, Dental, Vision - HRA with HSA and Co-pay options available.

• 91% Employer-paid medical premiums

• Generous paid time off

• Agency-funded Pension Plan

• Pre-tax savings plans: self-directed 403(b), 529, Aflac

• Agency-paid life insurance and disability, and for some positions, long-term disability

Learn more about Hope for Youth at:

Additional Pay Range Information

The salary range and/or hourly rate range listed for this position is a good faith determination of potential compensation that may be offered to a successful applicant for this position at the time of this job advertisement and may be modified in the future. When determining an employee's base salary and/or rate, several factors may be

considered as applicable (e.g., years of relevant experience, education, licensing, certifications, other credentials, negotiated contracts, budget and internal equity, etc.)

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