Young Adult Peer Advocate, Safe Options Support (SOS) – South Team
$57,150–$57,150 year
On-siteNew York City, New York, United States or New York, United States
Job Summary
Conduct sustained street outreach and engagement for unhoused young adults, developing individualized care plans through one-on-one peer support sessions. Coordinate participants' transitions from street to home by completing housing applications, facilitating move-ins, and escorting to medical appointments. Provide crisis interventions, de-escalation support, and advocacy against discrimination or healthcare inequities while assessing health and social needs using formalized risk tools. Build partnerships with community stakeholders including hospitals, shelters, and LGBTQIA+ programs to ensure continuous care and resource connection. Work Sundays and weekdays from 1pm-9pm, reporting data to inform future care delivery.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum High School Diploma or equivalent or higher
- New York State Certified Youth Peer Advocate (YPA) credential
- Completion of an internship or comparable training in peer advocacy
- Experience in providing advocacy services to people who are mentally ill and/or homeless
- Past or current participant of behavioral health, substance services or homeless services
Desired Qualifications
- Experience working with homeless and/or precariously housed populations
- Knowledge of treatment, rehabilitation, trauma responsive services and community support programs as they relate to recipient/residents, families, and staff
- Recognize indicators of human trafficking and resources available to assist individuals who have been exploited
- Ability to develop, evaluate, implement, and modify treatment interventions to meet the needs of individual recipients
- Ability to prepare accurate and timely reports
- Computer proficiency in Health Information Technology and Microsoft applications such as MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint
- Knowledge of homeless resources, NYC shelter systems, and MTA transit systems
- Knowledge of best practices in the fields of mental illness and substance use disorders
- Knowledge of techniques for identifying, assessing, and preventing potentially violent behavior, including crisis management and de-escalation techniques
- Methods to support individuals in developing real-world skills and identifying educational/vocational goals
- Methods to support community inclusion and strengthening of support networks
- Experience in implementing positive youth development strategies
- Familiarity with existing homeless outreach teams/programs and temporary housing options
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