Rehabilitation Support Services, Inc. is seeking a Youth Peer Advocate for our new Critical Time Transition Program (CTTP) program (which will start as Critical Time Intervention [CTI] prior to the Residence being opened). This program works with youth who are in the Emergency Department or awaiting Hospital discharge, and for a multitude of reasons are unable to return home. This Team is tasked with bridging and linking appropriate services for safe transition to the community. This program serves up to 16 youth at a time and, once opened, the residence will serve 8 youth. The youth peer would have close connection with the youth, youth's legal guardian, family natural supports/and chosen family. The youth peer would ensure youth voice/choice, and guided decisions are being made for the best interest of youth treatment and healing. This Team works with youth/families throughout the Mid-Hudson Development Region which spans over 6 counties: Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Westchester. This is a mobile position - meaning that while there may be an office day throughout the week/paperwork/collateral contacts, a significant amount of time is spent in a variety of communities at EDs, Hospitals, with families in their homes, and linking services.

•It should be noted that while a youth is from one of these 6 counties - there is potential for travel outside of this region if a youth is hospitalized or in an ED in another region or location Lived experience is extremely valuable when working with families in need of resources, support and advocacy.

Hours:

Flexible 40-hour per week schedule contingent on needs of the youth within the program and may have some on-call responsibilities including evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities:

Youth Peer Advocates have 'lived-experience' with an individual with a social, emotional, behavioral, mental health or developmental disability. They receive training to develop skills and strategies to empower other youth. They foster effective youth team partnerships and promote the practice of youth-guided approaches. Lived experience is extremely valuable when working with youth in need of resources, support and advocacy. The youth peer advocate (YPA) works as a team member/advocate for the family voice/choice with the CTI Team to facilitate return home or a discharge plan to the community that is safe for all. The YPA will provide the full range of therapeutic services to the youth in the program. Using their lived experience, the YPA will appropriately engage the youth and assist them with achieving their goals and developing coping strategies. Assists in the development of safety plans. At times the YPA will assist with direct care. The YPA will support the youth, guide them through clinical and treatment processes and recommendations, ensure that they are at the table (their voice is heard) for all decisions/discussions. This position will include providing hospital, ED, home, and community visits as appropriate and may have some on-call responsibilities for family needs. It is preferred the candidate have at least one year working in the capacity as a youth peer. Credentialed peers encouraged to apply - though RSS will assist in helping a peer apply for their credentialing.

•RSS is committed to successfully assisting peers in becoming credentialed and it would be the expectation that this would occur within the first 6 months of hire Youth Peer Advocate applicants must be between the ages of 18-30 years old All applicants need to submit a resume with a cover letter describing your personal lived experience of a individual with history of social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs. As this is a new program, duties and responsibilities may shift contingent upon OMH program guidance and requirements. Position includes day and evening hours as well as potential on-call responsibilities.

Other Requirements:

- Valid/Active NYS driver's license - Successful completion of a background check including Justice Center and New York State Office of Children and Families Statewide Central Register Database clearance.

Benefits:

The agency offers excellent salary and benefits package including medical, dental, vision, flexible spending account, 401K and 403b as well as paid sick, vacation, personal and holiday time. Access to agency vehicle provided. Mileage Reimbursement Rehabilitation Support Services, Inc. hires a diverse workforce and are actively recruiting candidates in accordance with diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity practices. This is an immediate opportunity. The interview process may be comprised of a combination of virtual and onsite meetings/interviews. EOE Job Summary We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Youth Peer Advocate to serve as a vital support resource for young individuals navigating behavioral health challenges. The ideal candidate will possess lived experience with mental health conditions or substance use disorders and demonstrate a strong commitment to empowering youth through peer support, mentorship, and advocacy. As a Youth Peer Advocate, you will work collaboratively with clinical teams and community organizations to promote recovery, resilience, and well-being among diverse youth populations. Duties Provide peer-led support to youth experiencing mental health conditions, substance use issues, or co-occurring disorders, sharing personal recovery experiences to foster hope and motivation. Assist clients in developing coping strategies, utilizing harm reduction techniques, and engaging in recovery-oriented activities. Conduct crisis management and intervention when necessary, ensuring safety and appropriate follow-up support. Collaborate with behavioral health professionals to coordinate care plans that incorporate peer support principles and client preferences. Facilitate group sessions, mentoring programs, and community outreach initiatives aimed at reducing stigma and increasing access to mental health resources. Maintain accurate documentation of client interactions within electronic health record (EHR) systems while respecting confidentiality protocols. Advocate for culturally diverse communities by promoting inclusive practices and addressing unique barriers faced by marginalized youth populations. Requirements Lived experience with mental health conditions or substance use recovery, demonstrated through personal recovery journey or peer support training. Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques, behavioral health principles, and harm reduction strategies. Experience working with individuals with co-occurring disorders and familiarity with addiction counseling approaches. Strong communication skills tailored to engaging youth from diverse cultural backgrounds effectively. Ability to maintain client confidentiality in accordance with privacy regulations and ethical standards. Competency in motivational interviewing and social work practices to support client engagement and goal setting. Proficiency with electronic health record (EHR) systems for documentation and case management purposes. Join us in making a meaningful difference by empowering youth on their path to recovery through compassionate peer advocacy!

Pay:

$26.00 per hour Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

401(k) 403(b) Bereavement leave Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible spending account Health insurance Mileage reimbursement Paid time off Parental leave Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person