YOUTH PEER ADVOCATE

To act as the liaison between the RTF youth and ETT
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Provide weekly peer support group using a range of topics and strategies
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Provide community -based/ in-home individualized peer support as assigned
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Assist with the development of family safety plans
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Participate directly at Enhanced Treatment Team meetings as required
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Interpret and implement the RTF program’s philosophy, policies, routines, and procedures, which effect group living and consumer transition in a manner consistent with their intent.
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Assist new residents in the transition and acclimation to group living
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Support residents during activities within the community and on campus, including leisure/wellness/ recreation activities
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Communicate problems or potential problems to the Transition Manager
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Attend Pre-placement meetings, Diagnostic Conference meetings, Comprehensive Treatment Plan Reviews and Discharge/ Aftercare Meetings as requested by Transition manager
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Attend in-service training sessions, conferences, and/or workshops as required by the position and/or authorized by the Transition Manager and/or Program Director
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Participate in Monthly supervision with Transition Manager to support the development of Youth Peer Advocates
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Attend monthly Youth Peer Advocate Team meetings and site visits designated to unify Youth Peer Advocates
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Works with the Enhanced Treatment Team in accessing community resources and supports for youth
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Provide youth with face to face and telephone support, information and communicate need for referrals to Enhanced Treatment Team as needed
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Develop and facilitate youth advisory councils for youth on campus
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Facilitate youth support groups, providing a safe non‐judgmental, youth‐friendly and
culturally competent environment
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Maintain confidentiality of information in records of youth in program and; follow
and abide by all HIPAA laws and regulations
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Peer Bridger ‐ assist RTF youth with transitioning to community or lower levels of care
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Attend meetings and conferences when assigned representing the youth voice in
Meetings
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Provide support and advocacy to recovering RTF youth to stay in their homes and communities, with the goal of avoiding further hospitalization or institutionalized care.
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Be able to use lived experience with a mental illness and/or co-occurring disorder to assist in supporting youth in their resiliency/recovery and wellness
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Maintains appropriate boundaries with youth served
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Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications
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18-28 years of age who has had first-hand experience with mental health services, special education services, or foster care
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Have a high school diploma, high school equivalency, or NYS State Education Commencement Credential (e.g. SACC or CDOS)
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New York State Youth Peer Advocate Credential (YPA)
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Good verbal and written communication skills
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A Youth Peer Advocate should be in the recovery phase of their own treatment, and demonstrate the ability to reflect thoughtfully about their diagnosis, experiences, and personal history
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Have a basic knowledge of support techniques, advocacy, active listening methods, and group facilitation, or be willing to attend related trainings