SCO Family of Services has provided vital human services throughout New York City and Long Island for more than 100 years. SCO helps vulnerable New Yorkers build a strong foundation for the future. We get young children off to a good start, launch youth into adulthood, stabilize and strengthen families and unlock potential for children and adults with special needs.

SCO Family of Services welcomes you to join our family and help us work together to carry out our mission to build a stronger tomorrow.

TITLE: Youth /Peer Advisor  

DEPARTMENT:  Young Adult Services                        LOCATION:  Queens / Brooklyn Office 

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:  The purpose of the Peer / Youth Advisor is to provide a support and can talk about their experiences in the foster care  system in a safe and non-judgmental space that promotes hope and resilience. They share their own knowledge of healthy coping skills, symptom management techniques, and how to navigate young adult demands and independent living  

 

REPORTS TO: Director of Young Adult Services 

 

SUPERVISES: N/A 

 

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:  Participate in Passagesb to Adulthood meetings   Offer and Provide peer support when needed  Document all peer support activity in progress notes  Assist in crisis prevention & intervention when needed    Participate in SPR or FTC when invited   Interpret and implement the Agency’s philosophy, policies, routines, and procedures  Assist new clients  in the transition to P2A and MIP when needed .  Assist in the Supervision of clients during activities in community   Accept responsibilities as assigned by the immediate Supervisor and/or Director  Attend in-service training sessions, conferences, and/or workshops as required by the position and/or authorized by the Supervisor and/or Director of Child Care.  Attend monthly All Staff meeting and other meetings as needed  Perform other duties as assigned 

 

QUALIFICATIONS  High School Diploma/GED  Complete Youth Advocacy training   Have experience as a consumer of residential or other mental health services  Acceptable clearance checks for State Central Register, and fingerprinting as required by the program  Compliance with health regulations for physical/mantoux testing 

 

A youth advisor should be in good standing, and demonstrate the ability to reflect thoughtfully about their diagnosis, experiences, and personal history  Have a basic knowledge of support techniques, advocacy, active listening methods, and group facilitation, or be willing to attend related trainings  Be positive leaders and role models, and help  youth negotiate issues with other peers or staff in a professional manner  As a peer advisor  it is important that social media accounts do not promote or glorify any violence, self-harm, underage drinking/ illegal drug use, personal attacks, bashing or negative self-promotion 

 

RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHERS:  Be team players  Have a strong sensitivity to cultural differences present among staff and clients within our organization  Possess a strong belief in people’s ability to grow and change;  forge a mutually respectful partnership with persons served and their families  Ability to set limits and maintain helping role of practitioner and to intervene appropriately 

 

WORKING CONDITIONS:  No special working conditions 

 

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY:  N/A 

 

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE:  N/A