Par Time Youth Peer Advocate

Vibrant (formerly the Mental Health Association of New York City) is a nonprofit organization with local roots and a national reach that for over 50 years has been leading the way in mental health with a three-part mission of service, advocacy, and education. Every year Vibrant reaches over one million people nationally with mental and behavioral health challenges through high quality innovative programs. We provide state of the art crisis services through public partnerships with the city, state, and federal government and with corporate entities like Facebook and the NFL. Vibrant is seeking an exceptional candidate to implement peer support expertise for the Youth & Family Wellness Services Department, providing services to youth under NYS Children’s Medicaid Re-design.

Qualities:

· Must exhibit a commitment to the well-being of all

· Show respect in all aspects of work

· Collaborative, team-oriented spirit

· Possessing wisdom gained through lived-experience

· Ability to build and maintain relationships

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

· Work in collaboration with all Family Peer Advocates in engaging youth in planning their own care and having their voice heard

· Share personal knowledge and experiences about the youth serving system and resources available to youth

· Provide support to youth through one-to-one interactions as well as group interactions

· Provide support to youth at community meetings and other meetings as needed

· Provide public education about youth mental health issues

· Assist in the organization of social, recreational and educational activities for youth

· Assist in outreach activities

· Represent the interests of youth with emotional and behavioral challenges in a variety of public forums and advisory groups

· Create and maintain comprehensive documentation of the work completed with individuals and families

· Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

· The Youth Peer Advocate will be an individual 18 to 30 years old who has self-identified as a person who has first-hand experience with social, emotional, medical, developmental, substance use, and/or behavioral challenges, and has experience receiving mental health services and/or navigating other child-serving systems

· Demonstrates qualities of leadership, including knowledge of advocacy, and can positively reflect on and share his/her experiences with others

· Strong written and verbal communication skills

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

· Work flexible hours, as required

· Bilingual and bicultural candidates are encouraged to apply

· Candidates possessing exceptional skill but not all of the qualifications are also encouraged to apply

Apply: vibrant.org

Physical and Sensory Requirements

· Mostly sedentary work; using standard office equipment including: a computer, keyboard, and telephone

· Ability to work collaboratively with staff, program participants, service providers and other stakeholders

· Ability to remain calm and composed under stress

· Ability to respond to telephones and other auditory stimulation

· Ability to evaluate/interpret information and make independent judgment/decisions

Vibrant is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to veteran status, uniformed service member status, race, creed, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, national origin, marital status, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, caregiver status or any other category protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. Vibrant will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.