Peer Specialist Youth Services

Duties Description Under the direction of the Family Engagement Specialist, DJJOY Peer Specialists will assist CMSO staff by engaging youth and families through a network of parent/caregiver support groups, connecting them to community‑based resources, and empowering families to advocate for their own needs. They will strengthen families’ ability to utilize available resources and encourage positive relationships between youth and parents/caregivers. The incumbent will be responsible for performing the following duties: Build a supportive relationship with parents. Assist the Family Engagement Specialist in organizing and conducting monthly parent support groups/workshops. Support parents of OCFS‑placed youth in meetings and appointments. Advocate for parents of youth placed with OCFS. Connect parents to larger empowerment movements to elevate their understanding of their role in promoting families. Meet with parents on a regular basis through 1:1 engagements in the community and at scheduled meetings, at the discretion of the Family Engagement Specialist. Participate in mandated and elective training opportunities as prescribed by OCFS. Work closely with the OCFS Family Engagement Team and CMSO staff. Help promote and support the active involvement of families in events or activities that occur at OCFS facilities and in community programs. Minimum Qualifications Two years of experience participating in self‑help activities, peer support or advocacy programs, or similar organizations. Applicants must have been in child welfare placement for at least two years above the age of 8 or have had juvenile justice placement or received homeless youth services in New York State, or be a parent who has had a child involved in the juvenile justice system. Hours and Telecommuting Core operating hours for office‑based positions within the agency are 8‑5. The exact shift within that timeframe will be discussed during the interview. Telecommuting is available at the sole discretion of the assigned supervisor and the Office of Community Partnerships, and will be considered on a case‑by‑case basis in accordance with the OCFS Telecommuting Pilot Program Policy. Background Investigation Requirements All prospective employees will be investigated through a Criminal Background Check (CBC), which includes State and federal Criminal History Record Checks. All prospective employees will be screened against the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR). DJJOY prospective appointees will be checked against the Staff Exclusion List (SEL) maintained by the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs. Equal Opportunity Employer OCFS is an equal opportunity employer. OCFS does not discriminate based upon age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, military or veteran status, sex, disability (including pregnancy‑related conditions), predisposing genetic characteristics, familial status, marital status or status as a victim of domestic violence, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We devote special attention to dismantling racial injustice and recognize that diversity in our workforce is critical to fulfilling our mission. We are committed to the diversity of our staff, and encourage applicants from marginalized communities to apply. In furtherance of Executive Order 31 and OCFS’s mission to have a diverse workforce, all people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. All applicants must be dedicated to working in and sustaining an environment of inclusion that affirms and celebrates the backgrounds, learned and lived expertise, whole identities, and individual perspectives of our staff. Applicants of all backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to self‑identify during the application process. #J-18808-Ljbffr NYS Office of Children and Family Services