Youth Peer Advocate; PT

GLYS WNY builds affirming cultures and supportive communities for youth of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions.

GLYS provides a safe and positive environment for LGBTQ+ youth to learn more about themselves through peer interaction and educational experiences. The organization creates opportunities for emotional growth and community awareness.

Through GLYS outreach, other agencies learn about and increase their sensitivity to the needs of gender and sexual minority youth. GLYS provides LGBTQ+ youth with positive role models and a safe space, while promoting positive self-esteem and the integration of these youth into the larger community. GLYS can also assist youth and their families by providing resources and referrals.

GLYS seeks a part-time Buffalo-based Youth Peer Advocate to facilitate GLYS’s Direct Youth Support programs. This position reports to the Pathways Program Case Manager and assists with ensuring all GLYS programming reflects the agency's commitment to youth leadership, community engagement, and comprehensive peer‑led support.

Conduct outreach, provide direct youth support, and support Case Manager in the Pathways program.

Support GLYS staff in providing trainings, conducting outreach, and general program execution, including Drop‑In Center programs.

Assist in the planning and execution of GLYS events (field trips, youth leadership conference, etc.).

Assist Community Programs Manager with GSA and school support programs.

There are innumerable ways to learn, grow, and excel professionally. We know people gain skills through a variety of professional, personal, educational, and volunteer experiences. We respect this when we review applications and take a broad look at the experience of each applicant. This said, we are most likely to be interested in your candidacy if you can demonstrate the majority of the qualifications and experiences listed below.

If they do not already possess it, Youth Peer Advocates will be provided the support and training needed to receive the New York State Youth Peer Advocate Credential administered by YOUTH POWER! Of Families Together in NYS.

• Experience with and/or passion for issues impacting LGBTQ+ youth
• Lived experience with social, emotional, medical, developmental, substance use, and/or behavioral challenges as a young person or have received services in any one of the child‑serving systems (juvenile justice, foster care, special education, or addiction recovery).
• Are 18-30 years of age
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to pass relevant background checks
• Have reliable transportation
• Have experience with team/collaborative work
• Are willing to learn and engage in professional development
• Are creative and able to improvise
• Can attend some evening and weekend programs
• Familiarity with social communication platforms (e.g. Zoom, Discord)

GLYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Diversity of opinions, experiences, and backgrounds is a key asset.

Please share a resume and cover letter to Jack Kavanaugh at executive