Youth Peer Advocate

Pay $18.00 – $20.00 per hour Youth Peer Advocates (YPA) are peers who are in a unique position to draw on their personal experience to engage and inspire hope. The focus of their work is empowering young people to find voice, acquire new skills, and learn how to plan and partner effectively with parents/caregivers and service providers. In the course of their work, YPAs promote constructive advocacy at all levels, modeling and mentoring young people with those skills. YPAs are individuals between 18 and 30 years of age who have first‑hand experience with social, emotional, medical, developmental, substance use, and/or behavioral challenges. They are able to use their lived experience with a disability, mental health challenge, substance use disorder and/or experience in juvenile justice, special education, and/or foster care to support young people in their resiliency, recovery, and wellness journeys. YPAs receive training to develop skills and strategies to empower and support other young people, including Youth Peer Advocate Training and other training as provided. A Youth Peer Advocate implements and monitors service plan goals, in compliance with state, federal, and agency regulations and operating standards. The advocate works directly with children who have an emotional disability via skill building and behavioral support. The goal is to increase skill level and decrease challenging behaviors, supporting the child’s independence, inclusion and quality of life within the community. Core Responsibilities Work with young people (primarily ages 14–21) who are experiencing various challenges to provide outreach, support, guidance, skill‑building, and mentoring, ensuring active participation in the treatment planning process and the development of self‑advocacy skills. Provide transportation for the child as required to carry out goals and services of the child’s service plan. Oversee the safety and well‑being of the child. Maintain and regularly compile data and documentation for supervisor review. Ensure positive and effective communication and cooperation within and between department, division, family and community personnel. Ensure compliance with all pertinent government and agency regulations and operating standards. Use a person‑centered approach. Adhere to all defined role responsibilities and ethics as outlined by the relevant Certification Board for Peer Specialists or Advocate. Qualifications High School Diploma or GED required. Valid New York State Driver’s License. Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality. Attest to the Certification Board Code of Ethical Conduct for Peer Specialists or Advocate. Benefits Comprehensive Health/Dental/Vision Direct Deposit Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Retirement Plan 403(b) Life Insurance Voluntary Benefits Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Generous Paid Time Off (Sick, Vacation, and Employee Leave) Tuition Reimbursement Service Awards Employee Appreciation Events Employee Discounts Upstate Caring Partners is the premier provider of direct‑care services and programs in Central New York for individuals of all abilities and their families. If you believe in empowering people, Upstate Caring Partners is an excellent place to start or grow your career. #J-18808-Ljbffr Upstate Cerebral Palsy