Easter Seals Jobs

Position Title: Youth Peer Advocate                                                           Department: Community Services Reports to: Program Director                                                        Location: Fixed Hybrid, 3 days a week on site/Long Island City, NY Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, Evening hours as needed to accommodate working families and Saturdays as needed for community events. Hourly Range: $21.43 -27.42 *New hires are typically brought into the organization between the minimum to midpoint of the salary range posted depending on qualifications, internal equity, and the budgeted amount for the role. Formerly the Mental Health Association of New York City (MHA-NYC), Vibrant Emotional Health’s groundbreaking solutions have delivered high quality services and support, when, where and how people need it for over 50 years. Through our state-of-the-art technology-enabled services, community wellness programs, and advocacy and education work, we are building a society in which emotional wellness can be a reality for everyone. Position Summary: The Youth Peer Advocate is the champion of the Queens Affirming Youth and Family Alliance, drawing on personal experiences to engage, inspire, and empower LGBTQIA+ youth and their families who are seeking support and services related to issues including, but not limited to, mental health, substance use, identity, and family conflict. Qualities:

• Committed to promoting the mental and emotional well-being of all people. 

• Possess wisdom gained through lived experience and can positively reflect on and share experiences with others. 

• Compassionate, curious, and open-minded. 

• Collaborative, team-oriented spirit.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Work in collaboration with the Program Director and Family Counselor to ensure the program is a safe and affirming space for LGBTQIA+ youth and their families. 

• Assist with connecting LGBTQIA+ youth and their families with community resources and referrals.   

• Promote awareness, acceptance, and affirming care and serve as a role model by empowering youth to advocate for needs. 

• Represent youth in various public forums and advisory groups by providing awareness/education on issues that directly relate to LGBTQIA+ youth. 

• Outreach to local organizations, government agencies, and school districts to identify program participants. 

• Support youth program participants as a member of the Advisory Council and at appointments, community events, and family meetings, when needed. 

• Other duties as assigned.   

  Required Skills/Abilities:

• 18-30 years old who self-identifies as a person who has firsthand experience with social, emotional, medical, developmental, substance use, and/or behavioral challenges common to youth identifying as LGBTQIA+ and has experience navigating mental health services and/or other youth-serving systems in NYC.

• Demonstrated experience with and commitment to working with LGBTQIA+ youth and their families.

• Previous Youth Peer Advocate experience preferred, but not required.

• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Products (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

• Work flexible hours, as required.

• Bilingual, bicultural and LGBTQIA+ individuals are strongly encouraged to apply.

  Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma (or the equivalent). 

• Youth Peer Advocate (YPA) Credential preferred, or willingness to complete YPA training. 

  Physical and Sensory Requirements:

• Mostly sedentary work; using standard office equipment including: a computer, keyboard, and telephone

• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, program participants, service providers and other stakeholders

• Ability to remain calm and composed under stress

• Ability to respond to telephones and other auditory stimulation

• Ability to evaluate/interpret information and make independent judgment/decisions

  Excellent comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, supplemental income insurance, pre-tax transit/parking, pre-tax FSA for medical and dependent care, and 401K available. 4 weeks’ vacation, plum benefits, etc.   Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who come from a less traditional background. Vibrant will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role. Vibrant Emotional Health is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to veteran status, uniformed service member status, race, creed, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, national origin, marital status, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, caregiver status or any other category protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.