Find & Apply For Program Manager Jobs in Geneva, New York

About the Organization The Partnership for Ontario County (Ontario Cares) has been a center of support in the Finger Lakes since 1998, offering programs that strengthen families and communities. Programs include the Community Support Center, EPIC Zone Youth Clubhouses (Geneva and Bloomfield), the FLX Unity Center, Ontario County Youth Court, the Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition, Suicide Prevention Coalition, Veterans Coalition, and a monthly pop-up food pantry. Our newest program, Youth Safe Spaces, is funded by the NYS Office of Mental Health. It gives young people ages 12-24 in Geneva a free, welcoming place to connect, build skills, and look after their mental wellness, with programming designed and led by youth themselves. Purpose of This Role We're looking for two people who have been through hard things and want to use that experience to help young people find their footing. As a Youth Peer Advocate, you'll be a mentor, a familiar face, and a trusted guide for youth and young adults ages 12-24. You'll lead peer circles, run activities, and spend real time with young people by listening, encouraging, and helping them see their own strengths. When someone needs more than we can offer, you'll help them take the next step toward support they choose, and you'll follow up to make sure it helped. This is an intentionally non-clinical role. You won't diagnose or treat anyone. Your strength is your lived experience, your ability to relate, and your belief that young people are experts in their own lives. You'll also help make sure youth voice drives the program, working alongside our rotating Peer Advisory Board to shape what we offer and when. The goal is a safe, affirming, joy-filled space where young people feel they belong, build connections, and leave stronger than they came in. What You'll Do Peer Support & Mentoring (40%) Provide relatable guidance, mentoring, and encouragement to youth and young adults ages 12-24, drawing on your own lived experience where it helps. Facilitate peer discussion circles that build healthy, prosocial connection and reduce isolation. Help young people identify their personal strengths, set goals, and map pathways toward their future. Support youth in developing healthy relationships and model positive communication and coping skills. Build relational safety so every young person who walks in feels welcomed, respected, and heard. Programming & Activities (25%) Co-lead peer-led workshops and support groups on wellness, coping, suicide prevention, and other topics chosen with youth. Run recreational, arts, sports, and cultural activities that build community and offer respite. Deliver age-appropriate programming, keeping groups for younger youth and young adults (for example, 12-17 and 18-24) separate as program guidelines require. Help youth access essential supports on site, including food, Wi-Fi, computers, phone charging, and transportation help. Referrals, Linkage & Early Support (10%) Support youth-guided self-referrals to behavioral health and community services, respecting each young person's choices. Help identify early signs of emotional distress through non-clinical, trauma-informed screening, and bring concerns to the Program Manager. Follow up with youth after referrals to make sure connections happened and help remove barriers. Youth Voice & Peer Advisory Board (10%) Support the program's rotating Peer Advisory Board, helping ensure that youth and young adults (at least 51% of members) drive program decisions. Help gather youth feedback through surveys, focus groups, and the annual youth-led needs assessment. Encourage youth leadership, advocacy, and civic engagement, both within the program and in the wider community. Outreach & Teamwork (5%) Connect with young people in schools, community spaces, and events to let them know the program is here for them. Work as part of one connected Clubhouse team with Youth Specialists, the Program Coordinator, and the Program Manager to support youth consistently across sites. Documentation & Reporting (10%) Track daily attendance and participation for monthly reporting. Document referrals, screenings, and follow-up actions accurately and confidentially. Help administer youth satisfaction surveys twice a year and contribute to quarterly OMH reports. Who You Are Lived experience (required): You have first-hand experience with emotional or mental health challenges, behavioral challenges, or co-occurring disorders, or with the juvenile justice system, special education, substance use treatment, or foster care, and you're willing to share it with youth in a purposeful way. Warm, relational, and good at putting young people at ease. High school diploma or GED preferred. Experience working with youth or young adults, whether paid, volunteer, or through your own community, is a plus. Demonstrated cultural responsiveness, with the ability to build trust with youth and families across racial, ethnic, gender, sexual identity, and economic backgrounds, including BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and low-income youth. Comfortable with, or eager to learn, Positive Youth Development and recovery-oriented, trauma-informed approaches. Reliable, team-oriented, and open to regular supervision and feedback. Able to keep information confidential and follow the National Ethical Guidelines and Practice Standards for peer support. Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus, not required. Credentialing, Training & Support You don't need to be credentialed yet to apply. We'll support you through the process.

Credential:

This role requires the NYS OMH Youth Peer Advocate (YPA) credential. Candidates who are credentialed, provisionally credentialed, or actively pursuing the credential are welcome. New hires must complete all requirements for the provisional credential within 45 days of hire.

Supervision:

Weekly 1:1 supervision with the YSS Program Manager, plus peer supervision from experienced peer staff or consultants as needed.

Professional development:

At least two professional development opportunities each year, in addition to standard training.

Teamwork on the floor:

You'll share every shift with at least one other Youth Peer Advocate, and in the first months both advocates will work together for shared training and support.

Other Requirements Typical Weekly Schedule:

Five days a week, including one weekend day, roughly 11:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Programming runs during school breaks and holidays. Final hours are shaped by our community and Youth Advisory Board. Occasional local travel for outreach and community events. The Partnership for Ontario County is an equal opportunity employer, committed to a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees. People with lived experience of mental health challenges are strongly encouraged to apply.

Pay:

$22.00 per hour Expected hours: 37.5 per week

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person