Youth Peer Advocate

Reports to: Director, CTTP

Location: 1603 Court Street, Syracuse, NY 13208

Pay Rate: $20 Hourly

Schedule: Monday � Friday: 8 a.m. � 4 p.m.

The people we care for come from all walks of life, and so do we. We strive to diversify our workforce, not because it�s the right thing to do, but because it makes our agency stronger!

About Us

With a history stretching back more than 70 years, AccessCNY is continually growing and expanding our reach. Offering person-centered services that empower individuals of all ages and abilities to reach their full potential as part of our community. Our focus is supporting individuals by ways of residential housing, mental health and clinical services, and immersing our participants in community engagement. Working closely with the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities and the Office of Mental Health, we support 27 housing locations and 3 administrative buildings.

About the Role:

We are looking for a proactive employee to use one�s own personal, lived, experience to provide support to youth receiving CTI/TRS services.

Responsibilities:

• • Provide strength-based, person-centered support to youth receiving CTI/TRS services by setting up consistent scheduled meetings in their homes or mutually agreed upon location
  • Support the youth in understanding their diagnoses using personal, lived, experience and work to improve their ability to self-advocate
  • Assist the family/caregiver in understanding and addressing the youth�s needs, to help stabilize the youth and family unit
  • After identifying needs, assist the youth in developing goals they want to work on
  • Assist the youth in finding resources for themselves, if they are able, and identify ways for the youth to take ownership of their mental health needs
  • Schedule and participate in a celebration meeting for youth/family at the end of the CTI process
  • Establish and maintain rapport with hospitals, care managers, providers, support groups, etc. to assist with referrals and obtaining services and supports for the youth.
  • Assist the youth in finding and/or utilizing resources for themselves to maintain stability
  • Participate in all scheduled meetings with the youth/family and team
  • Attend other community meetings with family/caregiver, as requested

• • Ensure that all required documentation is completed and maintained per Agency and department standards
  • Complete appropriate needs assessments and goal plan for each youth assigned
  • Provide person-centered, quality, services
  • Observe confidentiality and safeguards regarding all participant related information
  • Follow Agency standards and procedures
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, as well as with company policies
  • Perform Other Duties as Assigned

Education/Experience:

High school diploma/GED required. Associate�s degree, preferred. Personal, lived, experience as a youth with a social, emotional, behavioral, mental health, or developmental disability, required. Given the scope of the role, the candidate must be between ages of 18 to 30. Certified Youth Peer preferred, or, must be willing to obtain certification within 6 months of hire.

Conditions of Employment:

Must have a valid NYS Driver License in accordance with the Agency Vehicle and Driving policy and reliable transportation necessary to meet program needs. Must respect confidentiality.

Did you know that AccessCNY offers great health, dental and vision insurance? Additionally, we provide a 401(k) match upon hire, PTO, and 11 paid holidays.