As a Peer Advocate, you will be an ally, mentor, and advocate for clients and families as they contend with the difficulties and uncertainties of mental illness. You will use lived experience to contribute to treatment planning for each participant, and facilitating the team’s development and maintenance of a culture of respect. The Youth Assertive Community Treatment team (ACT) Program is an innovative treatment program. The program serves children with mental illness or serious emotional disturbance and their families. You will report to the Director of Youth Act and work onsite with community-based travel required.

This new employee will be hired under the Youth Peer Advocate title or Family Peer Advocate title.  The requirements are as follows:

Youth Peer Advocate:

As this is a Youth Peer position, grant funding requires that employees hired in this capacity are within 18-30 years of age and have lived experience with mental illness or serious emotional disturbance. The FPA must possess a credential recognized by the Office of Mental Health and receive specialized training and supervision.

Family Peer Advocate:

Family Peer Advocates (FPA) are parents or caregivers who are raising or have raised a child with serious mental health concerns and are personally familiar with the associated challenges and available community resources for children and families. The YPA must possess (or obtain within the first twelve months of employment,) a credential recognized by the Office of Mental Health and receive specialized training and supervision.

Peer Advocate Responsibilities: 
•    Engage individuals and establish trusting, collaborative relationships directed toward the goals clients identify on their treatment plans
•    Contribute to client treatment plans, advocating for clients' needs
•    Participate in daily treatment team meetings and work directly with other team members to provide support and assistance to program participants.
•    Provide individual face-to-face support to youth and families receiving services
•    Spend 70% or more of scheduled work hours in community settings
•    Meet with family, youth, and collateral contacts to provide psychoeducation about serious mental illness
•    Be a role model, educate recipients about self-help techniques and self-help group processes, teach effective coping strategies based on personal experience, teach symptom management skills, assist in clarifying rehabilitation and recovery goals, and assist in the development of community support systems and networks.

Requirements and Education:

High School Diploma or GED, Associates Degree preferred A valid New York State driver’s license and must have access to a reliable, insured vehicle and be willing to transport clients in the community if needed. Complete and obtain the NYCPS-Provisional certification for review by the New York Peer Specialist Certification Board (NYPSCB) within the agreed-upon time of start date.

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.