Peer Advocate
Peer Advocate
POSITION TITLE: Peer Advocate
JOB TYPE: Part-Time/Temporary
SCHEDULE: 2 pm-6 pm, ave. 8-30hr/week, depending on employee preference at time of hire.
REPORTS TO: Program Director
RATE OF PAY: $13.00-$15.00 DOE EST.
START DATE: January 11, 2021 EST.
END DATE: June 30, 2021 (This position can possibly be extended to September 15, 2021)
LOCATION: Klamath Falls, OR
OVERVIEW: Youth Rising is seeking a young adult (peer) with lived experience (direct or indirect) in foster care, mental health, addiction/recovery, incarceration/juvenile justice, Oregon Youth Authority, etc. The Peer Advocate will provide in-person and virtual peer support services to youth/young adult participants at the drop-in space located at the new Youth Rising House in Klamath Falls, OR. The YR House is open to youth ages 12-21, many of whom experience challenges related to mental health, oppression, and other system involvement. You will build 1:1 connections with youth and assist in needs-identification, solution brainstorming, and self-advocacy. You will cultivate a welcoming environment and engage youth using peer support and fun, engaging activities at the Drop-in. You will be expected to demonstrate competency in recovery and ongoing coping skills.
RESPONSIBILITIES: Peer Advocates (PA) may: Assist youth in identifying and attending other support services, resources, or opportunities to complete an accelerated diploma or GED program. Support youth in gaining life skills and workforce skills and educational and mental health support through direct services or by assisting with referrals to community partners. Provide youth with assistance in developing natural supports. Assist youth in creating long-term life goals known as life-assignments. Utilize and assist youth in gaining problem-solving skills. Assist peers in identifying and combating negative self-talk. The Peer Advocate will communicate and keep documentation on: Weekly supervisory meetings. All peer interactions to keep proper documentation for official purposes. Any data inputted into our youth-friendly app. The Peer Advocate will serve as a partner between youth-systems staff & participants by: Providing and advocating for effective recovery-based services. Assisting peers in obtaining services that suit their recovery needs. Meeting with mental health professionals to improve relations between peers and staff. Effective communication & problem-solving skills to resolve a conflict between participants and staff. The Peer Advocate will provide culturally responsive support services: Share lived experience in youth/youth-adult serving systems (mental health, addiction/recovery, incarceration/juvenile justice, Oregon Youth Authority, foster care, education, LGBTQ+, etc.). Utilize evidence-based practices including Youth-Adult Partnerships, Positive Youth Development, CPS, Wraparound, etc.
QUALIFICATIONS: Identification as a peer with lived experience (mental health, foster care, etc.) High school diploma or equivalent and a general understanding of the population served. An Associates Degree or Bachelor’s Degree is preferred. Knowledge and skills sufficient for establishing effective relationships with clients who have a mental illness in order to support them in their own recovery. Competency in recognizing behavioral issues and symptoms of mental illnesses for the purpose of electronic documentation and communication with members of the treatment team. Must enjoy and be able to create rapport with youth. Ability to follow verbal/written instructions & work independently & with staff as agency needs dictate. Excellent interpersonal skills, advocacy, and public speaking skills. Outstanding oral/written communication skills and strong organizational skills. Multilingualism is a plus. Proficiency in Word and other MS Office. Candidates must be able to use e-mail, compose documents, save/locate documents electronically.
PREFERRED CERTIFICATIONS: Certified Peer Support Specialist First Aid Certification (CPR) Certification Oregon Food Handlers Card
REQUIREMENTS: Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and car insurance. Ability to pass a background check.