Youth Peer Advocate

Position: Youth Peer Advocate

Employment Type:

☒ Part Time ☐ Full Time

☐ Exempt Salary ☒ Non-Exempt Hourly

Reports To: YPA Program Manager

Youth Peer Advocates will use their lived experience and recovery journey to inspire and empower young people navigating mental health and/or substance use challenges. This role focuses on promoting wellness, resiliency, and recovery through peer‑led support, goal development, advocacy, and connection to community resources. The Youth Peer Advocate serves as a role model, mentor, and support system for adolescents and transition‑age youth while supporting MHA’s Mission.

• Support youth in developing wellness, resiliency, and recovery skills, including goal setting, transition planning, and community living skills in one‑to‑one and/or group settings in the community, clinical settings and/or schools.
• Encourage hope, confidence, and self‑efficacy to enhance recovery‑oriented attitudes in youth.
• Model and provide mutual support, reassurance, and advocacy to promote wellness and healing.
• Serve as a peer partner during transitions between levels of care and into adulthood.
• Assist youth in effectively communicating their unique perspectives with providers and families.
• Guide youth in developing self‑advocacy skills to request services and support they can benefit from.
• Support youth engagement in their treatment planning process using a youth‑driven, person‑centered approach.
• Collaborate with families, caregivers, and professional providers to promote active youth involvement.
• Connect youth with both formal services and informal community resources, including peer support groups.
• Maintain an up‑to‑date list of local resources and support services beneficial to youth and families.
• Facilitate peer‑led support groups, workshops, and recreational activities for youth and families.
• Provide support to youth participating in the Erie County Children’s System of Care and similar initiatives.
• Represent the youth voice at community meetings and advocacy forums as needed.
• Share knowledge of adult system resources with transition‑age youth and offer navigation support.
• Document all activities, including progress notes, treatment plans, and required reporting for funders.
• Help create and participate in engaging social media content (Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok) to promote Youth Peer Advocate (YPA) activities and outreach.
• Provide peer support within clinical and community‑based behavioral health settings.
• Assist with funded activities needed, including compiling reports, attending or facilitating training, and participating in required meetings.
• Work flexible hours based on youth and family needs, including evenings and weekends.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support the organization’s mission.

• Must be between the ages of 18 and 30.
• Lived experience as a youth with one or more child‑serving systems, including mental health care, substance use treatment, child welfare, juvenile justice, or special education.
• Certified Youth Peer Advocate (YPA) or eligible and willing to obtain certification.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport and connect with youth from diverse backgrounds.
• Knowledge of youth empowerment, peer support principles, and trauma‑informed care practices.
• Comfortable facilitating groups, public speaking, and participating in community engagement activities.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team and across various service systems.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to demonstrate sensitivity, empathy, and a supportive approach to others’ needs.
• Evidence of strong confidentiality practices and understanding of HIPAA compliance.
• Sound decision‑making ability and ability to work independently.
• Well‑organized and able to meet documentation and funder reporting requirements consistently.
• Proficient computer skills, especially in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.).
• Reliable transportation and willingness to travel for community‑based work.
• Flexibility to work a varied schedule, including evenings and weekend.
• Team‑first attitude with a positive…