Part-time Youth Peer Mentor

The Part-Time Youth Peer Mentor provides peer support, mentorship, and advocacy services to adolescents experiencing mental health and substance misuse challenges. Grounded in the principles of youth empowerment and recovery, this role is designed around the New York State, "Families on the Move" Youth Peer Advocate certification (or equivalent Youth Peer Advocate credential recognized in New York). The Youth Peer Mentor utilizes Motivational Interviewing techniques to engage and inspire adolescents to set goals, build coping strategies, and develop resilience. Services will be provided in community, home, and school settings, as well as through group activities.

Schedule

• Tuesday & Thursday 10am - 6pm and Wednesdays 2pm - 6pm but must be flexible.

Job Responsibilities

• Establish rapport and trust with youth through active listening, empathy, and shared experience. Encourage youth self-advocacy, offering guidance on navigating mental health and substance misuse treatment systems. Ability to support youth in developing Wellness goals, using the Dimensions of Wellness framework. Provide one-on-one mentoring sessions, focusing on goal setting, life skills, and healthy decision-making.
• Apply Motivational Interviewing (MI) strategies to enhance adolescents' intrinsic motivation and commitment to positive change. Help youth identify strengths, overcome barriers, and develop personal coping techniques.
• Advocate for youth during meetings with service providers, school staff, or community agencies. Assist in connecting adolescents to needed resources, such as mental health counseling, substance misuse treatment, educational supports, and recreational opportunities. Support youth in understanding their rights and responsibilities within various systems (school, juvenile justice, healthcare).
• Facilitate peer support groups, workshops, or recreational activities that promote social skills, self-esteem, and community engagement. Work collaboratively with staff and community partners to design group curricula and materials suitable for diverse backgrounds and needs.
• Work as part of an interdisciplinary team, collaborating with Family Advocates, Case Manager, and other professionals to ensure comprehensive support. Participate in case conferencing, staff meetings, and supervision to share insights, challenges, and progress.
• Maintain timely and accurate progress notes of mentoring sessions, group activities, and participant progress in accordance with agency and funder requirements. Ensure adherence to confidentiality and ethical guidelines.
• Maintain and update required peer certification(s), attending trainings and workshops related to youth development, Motivational Interviewing, and mental health/substance misuse best practices. Seek regular supervision and mentorship to enhance professional skill sets and personal growth.

Job Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; some college coursework in psychology, social work, or related fields a plus.
• Provisional NYS Youth Peer Advocate certification required, with professional certification or equivalent credential expected within one year of hire.
• Lived experience with mental health and/or substance misuse recovery as a youth or young adult is strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of motivational interviewing principles and techniques (or willingness to be trained).
• Experience working with adolescents in community, home, or school environments is preferred.
• Ability to relate to and engage with diverse youth populations effectively, demonstrating cultural sensitivity.
• Strong communication and organizational skills, with attention to documentation and follow-up.
• Valid New York State driver's license and reliable transportation preferred for community travel.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Together for Youth is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability, marital status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and accessible environment where diversity is valued and recognized as a source of strength and enrichment. We seek to attract talented people from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures.

As a federal contractor, Together for Youth will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)