Family Peer Advocate at Mental Health Advocates of Western Buffalo, NY

Family Peer Advocate

Family Peer Advocate job at Mental Health Advocates of Western New York. Buffalo, NY.

Employment Type: ☐ Part Time ☒ Full Time

Salary Type: ☐ Exempt Salary ☒ Non-Exempt Hourly

Reports To: Family Support Program Manager

Family Peer Advocates take a mission-driven approach to empower and support families of children and young adults living with mental health challenges. They provide compassionate education, advocacy, and guidance to help families navigate systems of care and access the resources they need.

• Advocacy & Support: Promote a youth- and family-driven approach to service delivery that is strengths-based, culturally competent, and trauma-informed. Support families by attending service planning meetings, school conferences, and court appearances to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are met. Help caregivers prepare for these engagements by building confidence and understanding.
• Resource Navigation & System Support: Assist families in identifying, accessing, and coordinating services across child-serving systems including education, behavioral health, addiction services, juvenile justice, and child welfare. Act as a liaison to help bridge communication and trust between families and providers.
• Caregiver Skill Building: Provide coaching and support to caregivers in self-advocacy, stress management, communication strategies, and effective parenting techniques. Help families develop the skills and knowledge needed to navigate services and advocate for their children with confidence.
• Goal Planning & Care
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Work collaboratively with caregivers to develop individualized, strength-based goals and a plan of care that promotes the mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being of their children and families.
• Community-Based Support: Deliver peer support in flexible, accessible locations including family homes, schools, and community settings. Meet families where they are — physically and emotionally — to foster engagement and build meaningful relationships.
• Group Facilitation & Peer Connection: Lead or co-facilitate parent support groups, skill-building workshops, and educational sessions that promote healing, connection, and mutual support among families.
• Outreach & Engagement: Conduct outreach activities to identify and engage families who may be isolated or underserved. Build trusting relationships in the community by attending events and collaborating with schools, hospitals, and partner organizations to raise awareness of available support and peer services.
• Documentation & Reporting: Maintain timely, accurate, and confidential records of all family engagement, services provided, and progress toward goals, in accordance with agency and funder requirements.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Lived experience as a parent or primary caregiver of a child, adolescent, or young adult with social, emotional, behavioral, developmental, or mental health challenges is required.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; additional education in human services, psychology, or a related field is preferred.
• Must possess or be eligible to obtain the New York State Family Peer Advocate Credential (provisional or full).
• Broad knowledge of the mental health system and familiarity with child-serving systems, community resources, and family support services.
• Strong interpersonal, relationship-building, and coaching skills, with the ability to provide empathetic, nonjudgmental, and culturally sensitive support to others.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse audiences, both individually and in group settings.
• Strong organizational skills and sound independent decision-making abilities.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and uphold professional boundaries.
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively as part of a team, with a team-first attitude and a positive, solutions-focused demeanor.
• Flexible schedule, including availability for some evening and weekend hours as needed.
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, One Drive),…