Youth Peer Advocate, CTTP

Overview

Schenectady-Park Place - Schenectady, NY 12304

Salary Range: $18.00 - $19.00 Hourly

Position Type:
Full Time

Education Level:
High School/GED

Travel Percentage :
Up to 50%

As a Clinical Time Transition Program (CTTP) Youth Peer Advocate, you will provide support for youth transitioning from a hospital setting back to their community. You will work with youth, their families, schools, and community resources to promote successful reintegration and long-term stability. You will draw from personal lived experience to help youth navigate challenges, develop self‑advocacy skills, and build confidence as they reintegrate into school, home, and community life.

You will report to the Director of the Hospital to Home (H2H) Program and will work onsite with community travel and opportunities for remote work.

• Build trusting, supportive relationships with youth based on shared lived experiences
• Offer emotional support and encouragement during the transition process
• Provide guidance on coping strategies and self‑advocacy skills
• Help facilitate peer support groups, workshops, and recreational activities that promote emotional well‑being
• Assist youth in setting personal goals and navigating challenges related to school, friendships, and family dynamics
• Empower youth to take an active role in their treatment processes
• Help youth understand and access community‑based resources, including mental health services, after‑school programs, and employment opportunities
• Support youth in developing independent living skills, including self‑care
• Work with caregivers, providers, and community organizations to provide a smooth transition
• Advocate for youth needs within the treatment team and ensure their voices are heard in care planning
• Educate youth on their rights in mental health, education, and social services systems
• Participate in program development efforts to create youth‑friendly services and policies
• Maintain accurate records of peer support interactions while ensuring confidentiality (HIPAA compliance)
• Track progress and identify areas where additional support may be needed
• Contribute to program evaluation efforts and provide feedback for service improvements

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Lived experience receiving mental health services as a youth required, per NYS Office of Mental Health requirement.
• Certification as a Youth Peer Advocate or willingness to obtain within 6 months of hire required
• Flexibility in working hours, including some evenings or weekends, to accommodate youth schedules
• Bilingual candidates encouraged to apply
• Valid NYS driver’s license required.

• Health care package: medical, dental, and vision
• Tuition reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Holiday Pay
• 401 (K) plan
• Life Insurance
• Loan repayment assistance
• Free training/CEU opportunities

At Northern Rivers Family of Services, we work together to make a difference in our client’s lives. Northern Rivers empowers children, adults, and families to change their lives and build stronger communities.

Northern Rivers Family of Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We hire great people from a variety of backgrounds, not because it is the right thing to do, but because it makes us stronger! All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status, or any othercharacteristicprotected under applicable law.

We cherish the unique contributions of our diverse staff and are building a culture where everyone has the opportunity to do the meaningful work.