Job Description

Do Work That Matters. In a Culture That Means It.
Be part of a team that values connection, accountability, and real impact.
Why Access?
Because how we work matters just as much as what we do. At Access, our Culture Playbook isn’t a poster on the wall – it’s how we show up for each other and for the people we support.
You’ll be part of a team that is:
• Clear about expectations
• Supportive and accountable
• Focused on outcomes that matter to people.
And committed to helping people live the healthiest and fullest lives possible – while making sure out staff can do the same.

Location: New Paltz, NY
Hours: M-F 930 am to 6 pm
Rate of Pay: $26.50 Certified and $25.00 (No Certification)

OF PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITES:
We are seeking a Youth Peer Advocate for the Youth Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team who is between the ages of 18-29, has lived experience as person with a mental health challenge, and is willing and able to share their experience with others. The ideal candidate will be passionate about working closely with youth ages 10-21 and have acute mental health needs.
The Youth ACT Team is a program designed to address the significant needs of children/youth who are at risk of entering, or returning home from high intensity services, such as inpatient or residential services. Youth ACT services are delivered in the home or other community based settings using a multidisciplinary approach to better achieve success and maintain the child/youth in the home, school, and community.
PRIMARY FUNCTIONS:
The Youth Peer Advocate will be responsible for working with their Youth ACT team colleagues to follow the mission of providing the young person and their family with the level of support and access to services required to sustain gains made in crisis response or other out of-home high-intensity services.
• Share lived experiences to support the youth in the program
• Work together with the youth, their families, and colleagues.
• Provide services in the form of direct support, information sharing, and skill building.
• Provide youth perspective to professionals and community stakeholders.
• Coach, educate, support, and encourage youth to use their voice and make informed choices.
• Increase youth self-empowerment and advocacy skills.
• Ensure youth point of view is heard by the team and educate others on significance of youth voice and choice.

Assist youth to:
• Identify natural and informal supports
• Collaborate with the team
• Understand assessment results and ensure the plan of care is customized and individualized based on their strengths
• Effectively resolve conflicts
• Integrate into community, school, and family
• Navigate the public human services system

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONAL / ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT
• Participate in team meetings, trainings, and care coordination discussions.
• Serve as a bridge between youth and professionals, supporting mutual understanding.
• Engage in community outreach and represent the youth voice with stakeholders when appropriate.
• Support ongoing quality improvement efforts through youth feedback and insight.
• Attend required trainings to maintain certification and enhance skills.
QUALIFICATIONS AND ATTRIBUTES:

• Have good organization, writing, and telephone skills
• Must be organized, flexible, and able to prioritize tasks
• Demonstrated direct experience with their own mental health challenges
• Ability to work as a team player with colleagues and other providers
• Willingness to participate in ongoing training

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Ability to become a NYS Certified Youth Peer Advocate
• Have good organization, writing, and telephone skills
• Must be organized, flexible, and able to prioritize tasks
• Demonstrated direct experience with their own mental health challenges
• Ability to work as a team player with colleagues and other providers
• Willingness to participate in ongoing training

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:
• Must have a drivers license, reliable transportation, and be willing to transport clients in own vehicle.
• Must be capable to sit or stand in front of a computer for long-periods of time
• Able to work in open space floor plan
• Must be capable to move throughout work day and follow people served throughout community
• Work alongside co-workers within 3 feet
• Must be able to move in tight spaces
• Occasional lifting of > _25+ pounds

IND2024

An Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and Veterans