PEER SPECIALIST

Established in 1926, Family Service League is a social services agency transforming lives and communities through mental health, addiction, housing, and essential human services with more than 60 social service programs in over 20 locations.

SCHEDULE:

CFTSS operates Monday - Saturday 8am -8pm. This is a part-time position with flexible hours. 

SUMMARY:

Family Service League is seeking a part-time Peer Specialist for our Children and Family Treatment and Support Services (CFTSS) program. CFTSS provides a set of services designed to help youth and families to gain the necessary tools to be successful in their homes and communities. The Family Peer Specialist works with caregivers or family members, who are caring for or raising a child who is experiencing social, emotional, medical, developmental, substance use and/or behavioral challenges in their home, school, placement and/or community.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Meet with clients weekly in their home and community.
• Develop skills towards goals identified that are focused primarily on activities that involve helping the youth in the areas of Skill Building; Coaching, Engagement, Bridging and Transition Support; Self Advocacy, Self-Efficacy and Empowerment; and Community Connections and Natural Supports. 
• Document in the EHR and conduct regular communications with clients.
• Develop Treatment Plan Goals.
• Transport caregiver/family members and youth as needed.
• Work as a team with other CFTSS and Care Management staff.
• Participate in monthly staff and team meetings (in person or via phone).
• All other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

High School Diploma or equivalent required. 

Youth Peer Advocate credential required - we can assist with this process, if needed.

Must be an individual 18 to 30 years old who has self-identified as having first-hand experience with mental health or behavioral challenges, or co-occurring disorders. 

Must be able to use a “lived experience” with a disability, mental health condition, involvement the in juvenile justice system, special education, substance use disorder and/or foster care system to assist in supporting youth in their resiliency, recovery, and wellness.

Prior experience working with children is required; working with children with special needs is preferred.

Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office, are required.

Excellent interpersonal, engagement, and verbal and written communication skills are required.

Ability to be creative and present ideas and skills in a variety of ways is required.

Bilingual in Spanish preferred.

Valid and clean New York State Driver’s License and own a reliable car that is properly insured, registered and maintained to drive from worksite to worksite.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This position requires sitting for long periods of time and travelling to different client homes, community settings and other FSL offices.