Youth Peer Advocate

AspireHope NY, Inc. (Formerly Finger Lakes Parent Network, Inc.) is a parent-governed organization providing community services since 1990. Our mission is to engage individuals, families, and communities in improving their own mental and physical health through services that are led and supported by peers who have been through relevant experiences.

AspireHope NY, Inc. has an immediate opening for a part-time Youth Peer Advocate in Seneca County, NY, at the Seneca County Community Counseling Center.

Job Title: Youth Peer Advocate (YPA)

Title Description: The YPA will act as a support to youth through Skill Building, Coaching, Engagement, Bridging and Transition Support, Self-advocacy, Self-Efficacy and Empowerment, and Community Connections and Natural Supports.  The YPA will earn a Professional Credential and engage in trainings for personal skill development.

• Purpose of the position: Partners with the youth and their legal guardian, and family members the youth has identified as part of their natural supports. Partner as an integral and collaborative team member with all members of the care team.

• Overview of responsibilities
• Develop, maintain and grow a peer-to-peer relationship with the youth while utilizing appropriate boundaries
• Provide services with integrity within the culture of the youth and family
• Follow all guidelines, procedures and policies and documents all services in a timely manner
• Works cooperatively with all members of the care team
• Participates in weekly supervision with supervisor & attends all required meetings and trainings
• All other duties as assigned

Supervision: Reports to the Teen Services Coordinator

Requirements:

• 18-30 years old
• Self-identified as a person who has personal social, emotional, medical, developmental, substance use, and/or behavioral challenges in recovery.
• Demonstrate ability to share their personal-lived experience to promote hope and recovery
• Demonstrate leadership qualities including boundaries, self-advocacy, facilitation, communication, and integrity
• An ability to partner with youth, families, co-workers, and service providers
• Provide consent and passes all required background clearances throughout employment
• An understanding of child-serving cross-systems, preferred
• Driver’s License, preferred
• Have a high school diploma, high school equivalency or a State Education Commencement Credential, preferred
• Possess and maintain a YPA credential; if not at hire, must submit provisional credential within 30 days of employment

Work Hours: Part-time; 20 hours per week. Monday through Friday with flexibility for additional hours on weekends and mornings.

Starting Pay – $17 hourly

Advancement Pay – $17.25 hourly with Provisional Credential and completing the 90-day introductory period of employment. $18 hourly with Professional Credential and 1-year experience as a credentialed YPA at current position without being on employment probation.

Benefits: Holidays, PTO, Mileage Reimbursement