Position: Mobile/Hybrid

SALARY: $22-$24 an hour...

SUMMARY of DUTIES:

Youth Peer Advocate (YPA) services are formal and informal services and support provided to youth who are experiencing social, medical, emotional, developmental, substance use, and/or behavioral challenges in their home, school, placement, and/or community. These services provide the support necessary to ensure the engagement and active participation of the youth in the treatment planning process and support the ongoing implementation and reinforcement of skills. Services are delivered in a trauma informed, culturally and linguistically competent manner. Services offer positive youth development-centered services with a resiliency/recovery focus. The YPA will promote skills for coping and managing psychiatric symptoms and will facilitate the use of natural and community supports and resources. In addition, the YPA will promote wellness through modeling and assist with gaining and regaining the ability to make independent choices and play a proactive role in their treatment.

SPECIFIC DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES
• Engage the youth in a variety of strategies to work toward identified goals, including but not limited to: strengthening problem solving skills; providing mentoring; engaging in community resource exploration; and providing life skills support
• Engage in regular communication with the child’s team, to ensure continuity of care
• Document client progress and maintain a permanent record of client activity according to established methods and procedures
• Practice with a person-centered, trauma informed philosophy in alignment with the values of MHA
• Maintain appropriate professional standards
• Due to the nature of the program, one must be able to work a flexible schedule
• Other designated or related duties.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
• Knowledge of the signs of psychiatric crises and peer engagement skills/de-escalation techniques
• Highly organized and self-motivated
• Familiarity with and ability to use an Electronic Health Record system.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and cultural humility.

QUALIFICATIONS:
• The Youth Peer Advocate must have a high school diploma, high school equivalency, or a State Education Commencement Credential (SACC or CDOS)
• Must be an individual 18 to 30 years old who has self-identified as a consumer of mental health services, juvenile justice system, substance use services, special education services, or foster care
• Must be eligible for the Youth Peer Advocate Provisional Credential with the expectation of obtaining the full credential within 24 months of commencing employment. Must maintain Youth Peer Advocate Professional Credential.
• Basic Computer knowledge is required.
• Must be reliable and able to work independently and understand the importance of maintaining confidentiality.
• Must have a valid Driver’s License and a driving record that is satisfactory to our insurance carrier.
• Must maintain current New York State Defensive Driving certification.
• Must be cleared by the NYS Justice Center through fingerprinting for a Criminal History Records search.
• Must be cleared by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services for instances of child abuse and/or neglect.
• Must be legally eligible to work in the United States.

MHA of Westchester is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to cultural competency, diversity, and inclusion and values the ways in which we are different. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other characteristic protected by the applicable law
Tarrytown NY USA

Salary Criteria