Youth Peer Advocate

Responsibilities

• To act as the liaison between the RTF youth and ETT
• Provide weekly peer support group using a range of topics and strategies
• Provide community‑based/in‑home individualized peer support as assigned
• Assist with the development of family safety plans
• Participate directly at Enhanced Treatment Team meetings as required
• Interpret and implement the RTF program’s philosophy, policies, routines, and procedures, which effect group living and consumer transition in a manner consistent with their intent.
• Assist new residents in the transition and acclimation to group living
• Support residents during activities within the community and on campus, including leisure/wellness/recreation activities
• Communicate problems or potential problems to the Transition Manager
• Attend Pre‑placement meetings, Diagnostic Conference meetings, Comprehensive Treatment Plan Reviews and Discharge/Aftercare Meetings as requested by Transition manager
• Attend in‑service training sessions, conferences, and/or workshops as required by the position and/or authorized by the Transition Manager and/or Program Director
• Participate in monthly supervision with Transition Manager to support the development of Youth Peer Advocates
• Attend monthly Youth Peer Advocate Team meetings and site visits designated to unify Youth Peer Advocates
• Works with the Enhanced Treatment Team in accessing community resources and supports for youth
• Provide youth with face‑to‑face and telephone support, information and communicate need for referrals to Enhanced Treatment Team as needed
• Develop and facilitate youth advisory councils for youth on campus
• Facilitate youth support groups, providing a safe non‑judgmental, youth‑friendly and culturally competent environment
• Maintain confidentiality of information in records of youth in program and follow and abide by all HIPAA laws and regulations
• Peer Bridger – assist RTF youth with transitioning to community or lower levels of care
• Attend meetings and conferences when assigned representing the youth voice in Meetings
• Provide support and advocacy to recovering RTF youth to stay in their homes and communities, with the goal of avoiding further hospitalization or institutionalized care.
• Be able to use lived experience with a mental illness and/or co‑occurring disorder to assist in supporting youth in their resiliency/recovery and wellness
• Maintains appropriate boundaries with youth served
• Perform other duties as assigned

• 18‑28 years of age who has had first‑hand experience with mental health services, special education services, or foster care
• Have a high school diploma, high school equivalency, or NYS State Education Commencement Credential (e.g. SACC or CDOS)
• New York State Youth Peer Advocate Credential (YPA)
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• A Youth Peer Advocate should be in the recovery phase of their own treatment, and demonstrate the ability to reflect thoughtfully about their diagnosis, experiences, and personal history
• Have a basic knowledge of support techniques, advocacy, active listening methods, and group facilitation, or be willing to attend related trainings

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