Family Peer Advocate Youth ACT

Do you have lived experience navigating the mental health system as a parent or caregiver of a youth with emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges? Are you passionate about helping other families find hope and support? We’re seeking a Family Peer Advocate (FPA) to join our Niagara County Youth ACT Team — a multidisciplinary group providing intensive, community-based mental health services to youth (ages 10–21) and their families experiencing significant emotional and behavioral challenges. As a vital member of the team, you’ll use your personal journey to help families feel heard, supported, and empowered. This role serves as a voice of understanding, a source of encouragement, and a bridge to resources.

Major Responsibilities/Activities:· Offer resources, including, but not limited to: education, advocacy and support along with role modeling for youth how to advocate for their needs· Create partnerships with the youth and other collaterals to help meet the needs of the youth.· Educate recipients about self-help techniques and self-help group processes· Teach effective coping strategies based on personal lived experience· Teach symptom management skills and assist in clarifying rehabilitation· Assist youth and families in crisis avoidance as well as managing at the time of the crisis· Models and practices sensitivity, fair treatment and acceptance of diversity in all interpersonal interactions· Participates and contributes to program Quality Improvement process· Must maintain and submit all of the required documents and comply with all aspects of the Vehicle Safety and Usage Policy· Maintain positive working relationships with program staff and others within the agency

• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills during interactions with internal and external customers
• Participates and contributes to program Quality Improvement process

Minimum Requirements:Must have personal experience as a parent or caregiver (not paid experience) of a youth with emotional, behavioral or mental health challenges.

• A high school diploma, equivalency, or a State Education Commencement Credential
• Must have means of transportation to travel throughout Western New York area
• Must have a valid New York State driver’s license
• Must be flexible to meet the needs of children and families in their homes
• Must be able to work independently
• Must possess adequate computer and oral communication skills

Competitive Pay Rate $21.98 per hour, based on a 35-hour work week

Shift Information:

• Flexible schedule

C+FS offers full-time employees the below benefits to support our employees and their families and help to create a healthy work environment:

• Paid Time Off (PTO), paid holidays and bereavement time
• Employer Paid Life Insurance
• Medical insurance options
• Dental insurance options
• Vision insurance options
• Wellness Program and Incentives
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Dependent Care FSA Retirement
• Employee Referral Bonus
• Qualifying Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
• 403(b) Right Away and Employer-Contributions

Child & Family Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer: 

Child and Family Services provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran or familial status, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Child and Family Services complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer leaves of absence, compensation, and training.