Peer Youth Advocate

Peer Youth Advocate - Full Time

Gulf Coast JFCS

• Provide in‑person response to youth, their families, and support network, including law enforcement.
• Assist individuals in navigating the juvenile justice, substance abuse, and/or mental health systems, helping them build resilience and develop their potential.
• Provide mentoring services to youth within their homes and communities to advocate, support, and engage our juveniles and their families.
• Attend monthly meetings with the care team, including the school department, local law enforcement, and other community partners.
• Provide information, referral, and follow‑up with appropriate ancillary community counseling, psychiatric services, financial, employment, parenting, housing, and other services deemed appropriate to meet client and family needs.
• Coordinate with juvenile, family, and community members to meet the juvenile’s needs.
• Assist youth in developing and maintaining positive relationships with family members and other supportive adults.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

• $18.00 per hour
• 15 PTO Days per year
• 13 Paid Holidays
• Medical, Dental & Vision insurance
• Healthcare Concierge
• Financial Wellness Program
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
• Immediate eligibility for 403b Savings Plan with 25% match
• Supplementary Accident, Hospital Indemnity and Specified Disease insurance
• Paid Life/AD&D insurance
• Pet, Legal and Identity Theft programs
• Continuous training and professional development opportunities
• Mileage Reimbursement
• An opportunity to make the world a better place!

• Must have a High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Certified Peer Specialist, preferred.
• Must demonstrate lived experience, whether direct and/or indirect, with the juvenile justice, mental health, and/or substance use, and successful recovery management.
• Ability to work in a stressful environment under sometimes difficult client situations, including potential exposure to clients who may be verbally and/or physically aggressive.
• Share one's own story to engage, support, and inspire others while representing how to engage meaningfully in their own lives.
• Ability to maintain a nonjudgmental approach, active listening, and promote positive interactions.
• Demonstrates ability to take initiative and remain flexible to client needs and scheduling.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Computer experience, including Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and Electronic Health Records.
• Must possess strong oral and written communication skills.
• Must have a valid driver’s license with auto insurance coverage.

From babies to seniors, Gulf Coast JFCS serves all people in need, regardless of race, religion, culture or gender identity. Our programs span a broad human service spectrum, from behavioral and mental health, child welfare and adoption, family support, job and employment transition, housing, food, transportation or home care assistance for the elderly.

GCJFCS offers an opportunity to gain field experience and direct client contact hours for both Bachelor’s and Master’s level practicum and internships. For license‑eligible candidates, we offer both individual and group supervision from a Board‑Certified qualified supervisor to fulfill state requirements at no cost to the employee.

Entry level

Full‑time

Strategy/Planning and Information Technology

Non‑profit Organizations

Gulf Coast JFCS is an equal opportunity employer. Gulf Coast JFCS is committed to maintaining a work environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, or inappropriate behavior. Gulf Coast JFCS will not tolerate discrimination against its employees on the basis of their race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity, sexual orientation, workers’ compensation status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

EOE/Drug‑Free Workplace/ E‑Verify