Youth Peer Advocate/ YPST

For over 100 years, HeartShare has dedicated itself to improving the lives of people needing special services and support. The HeartShare team, now 2,100 employees and growing, helps individuals develop to their fullest potential and lead meaningful and enriched lives.  

HSVS is actively seeking Youth Peer Advocates (YPST) with a demonstrated history of effectively working with youth in diverse settings.

The key responsibilities and essential duties of the Patient Advocate include the following:

• Assist youth with identifying needs, strengths, challenges, and developing goals and care plans for themselves.
• Facilitate groups and hold individual one-on-one peer support sessions focusing on engagement and supporting participants ability to navigate youth serving systems (schools, foster care, mental health, juvenile justice, etc.), meet their goals and support stronger relationships with caregivers.
• Provide groups and workshops on self-care and wellness, resiliency and skill development including stress and anger management and coping strategies.
• Promote and support the development of self-advocacy and the ability to navigate systems.
• Coach and model shared decision-making and skills to support collaboration with caregivers and other supportive individuals (teachers, coaches, relatives, etc.)
• Accompany youth and families to meeting and appointments as needed.
• Support and encourage family and youth participation in community, regional state, national activities to develop their leadership skills. Encourage civic stewardship.
• Connect youth to support systems within their own community.
• Conduct outreach and participate in community events.
• Help youth to improve social skills and become more involved in leisure and recreational activities as well as connect them to faith-based institutions and cultural activities and organizations.
• Make referrals for needed services and additional supports as needed.
• Document and report on all outcomes and goals in electronic data base as required by the program.
• Attend regular supervision meetings, staff meetings, trainings and program related meetings as required.
• Participate in community level committees/forums to represent the youth's perspective and influence policy.

• A minimum of two years of relevant experience is required, with the expectation of obtaining Certified Peer Leader certification within 18 months of hire.
• Must self-identify as an individual with firsthand experience in one or more of the following areas: social, emotional, medical/developmental challenges, substance use, involvement in the juvenile justice system, special education, and/or foster care.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively conduct outreach and engage with peers.
• Strong knowledge of community resources and experience navigating service systems.
• Proficiency in Office 365 and the ability to accurately document case activity in an electronic case record system.

Benefits:

At HeartShare we offer a comprehensive benefit package based on full-time/part-time status. You can expect: 

• Rewarding Work in a team environment.
• Paid vacation, sick, personal days, and holidays.
• 403(B) retirement plans with employer contribution.
• Health, dental, vision and life insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Flexible spending account (Dependent Care, Medical, Parking, and Transit).
• Employee Appreciation Programs and Events.
• Tuition Assistance Program.
• Professional Development opportunities.
• Gympass Discount
• Verizon Wireless Discount.
• BJs Membership discount.
• Discounts on Broadway tickets, movie tickets, theme parks, sporting events, gift certificates & more

HeartShare is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). If you need to request accommodation during the recruiting process, please reach out to Leaves@heartshare.org.