Youth and Family Peer Advocate

Job Title: Youth & Family Peer Advocate Location: Finger Lakes Region, NY Employment Type: Full-Time Job Summary: The Youth & Family Peer Advocate provides essential peer support services to young clients and their families facing mental health or substance use challenges. Working under the supervision of the Program Director, the Peer Advocate serves as a positive role model, using personal recovery experience to inspire clients and support their journey toward independence and recovery. This role involves active engagement with clients in community and school settings, offering resources, education, and advocacy to help clients manage their recovery and transition smoothly through treatment stages. Must-Have Qualifications: High School Diploma or GED equivalent. Valid NYS Driver’s License. Lived experience with mental health or substance use recovery, or experience supporting someone in recovery. Willingness to participate in peer certification training, with CRPA-P certification required within four months of employment. Nice-to-Have Qualifications: Certified Peer Support Specialist (NYCPS) certification from OMH or OASAS. Certified Peer Advocate (CRPA). Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred. Key Responsibilities: Actively participate as a member of the client’s treatment team, attending meetings and contributing to treatment planning. Assist clients in developing personalized recovery plans, including crisis management strategies. Provide psychoeducation focused on illness management, coping skills, and peer support in individual sessions. Implement and coordinate recovery plans, helping clients work toward independence and mastery over their recovery process. Serve as a role model by sharing personal recovery experiences and teaching clients effective coping strategies. Provide case management and collaborate with resources and services as part of each client’s care plan. Maintain accurate and thorough records for all assigned cases, using documentation to track and support client progress. Advocate for clients to help them access necessary services and community resources. Report relevant client concerns to the supervisor and treatment team as needed. Engage in ongoing training to maintain peer certification. Apply crisis intervention and early engagement techniques to support clients at different stages of their recovery. Assist with outreach efforts to engage clients who may be struggling to stay in treatment. For Tier 2 peers, model leadership and offer support to Tier 1 peers within the agency. Communicate effectively with both English and Spanish-speaking clients (if bilingual). Perform additional duties as assigned to support FLACRA’s mission. Skills & Experience: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal. Understanding of recovery principles and ability to connect with the youth population. Ability to multitask, remain calm in crisis situations, and possess solid problem-solving and time-management skills. Knowledge of crisis intervention and early engagement strategies. Ability to communicate effectively with both English and Spanish-speaking clients (if bilingual). About Us: Finger Lakes Area Counseling and Recovery Agency (FLACRA) is a growing, not-for-profit provider of behavioral health and substance use treatment services throughout the Finger Lakes Region. Our comprehensive programs include outpatient services, residential care, crisis intervention, vocational support, housing, and youth services. We are committed to providing professional development opportunities for our staff and fostering a collaborative and inclusive workplace. At FLACRA, we are dedicated to creating an employee-centered culture that values diversity, inclusion, and respect. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply and join our team of professionals committed to making a positive impact in the community.