Youth Peer Advocate

Location: City of Albany

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 you will work onsite with community travel and opportunities for remote work.

Responsibilities:

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 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

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

Requirements and

Education:

High school diploma or equivalent required

Lived experience receiving mental health services as a youth required, per NYS Office of Mental Health requirement.

Per regulation, Youth Peers must be between 18-30 years old 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.

Benefits 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

About Northern Rivers 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 other characteristic protected 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.