Youth ACT Youth Peer Advocate

Join to apply for the Youth ACT Youth Peer Advocate role at Hope For Youth, Inc
.

Looking for an exciting and meaningful career helping youth and families across Long Island.

Come join Hope For Youth in our new Youth Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team as a Youth Peer Advocate!

For more than 50 years, Hope For Youth has provided services for children, youth and families, spanning a continuum of care from out‑patient, clinical and preventive services, to foster care, diagnostic and emergency residential services. The organization works with children as young as birth through 21 across the Long Island region. The Hauppauge Industrial Association of Long Island (HIA‑LI) has recognized HFY as their Not‑For‑Profit Business Award honoree for Excellence in 2025.

Youth Peer Advocates (YPA) are individuals aged 18‑30 who self‑identify as persons with first‑hand experience with mental health and/or co‑occurring behavioral health challenges. Peer advocates serve as role models, educate recipients about self‑help techniques and group processes, teach coping strategies based on personal experience, and provide symptom‑management support.

• Function within the policies and procedures outlined in the program practice guide and employee manual.
• Adhere to state regulations and applicable code of conduct.
• Work within an interdisciplinary team to assist the client in their overall functioning and achieve desired outcomes.
• Provide rehabilitative support services to parents, family members or caregivers to benefit the child/youth.
• Offer support necessary to ensure engagement and active participation of the youth in the treatment planning process and ongoing implementation of skills.
• Engage youth in services that expand their skills and strategies necessary to meet personal goals, develop self‑advocacy skills, and support their transition into adulthood.
• Attend trainings and professional development as assigned.
• Attend daily team meetings and family meetings as assigned.
• Provide transportation for clients to their service location as necessary.
• Perform other resulting and necessary work to meet the needs and requirements of the clients, the program, Hope For Youth, oversight agency and regulatory obligations.

60% Direct family therapeutic contact including transportation, 20% Case documentation and related meetings, 20% Staff/team meetings, supervision and training.

• Youth Peer Advocate credential with one year experience.
• Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office Suite, and experience working with EHRs.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid NYS driver’s license in good standing.
• Physical requirements:
  
  read/write reports, walk/stand/sit for prolonged periods, bend/stoop, kneel/squat, climb stairs, reach overhead, repetitive wrist/finger movements, drive own vehicle.

Full‑time, 35‑hour work week (flexible hours).

• Meaningful work that makes a difference in the lives of children and families of Long Island.
• Supportive, mission‑driven co‑workers.
• Diverse culture promoting recognition and belonging.
• Advancement and supplemental pay opportunities.
• Free training programs, free tuition credits, scholarships and tuition assistance.
• Employee eligibility for student loan forgiveness programs.
• Special events and recognition awards.
• Volunteer and internship opportunities within the organization.
• 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; long‑term disability for some positions.

$21 – $23 per hour.

Hope For Youth is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All offers must be made contingent and once a contingent offer has been accepted, all processing must note the contingency throughout the process.

Please include a resume, cover letter and salary requirements. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Learn more about Hope For Youth at: http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..org