Youth Advocate

Founded in 1974, Community Access continues to uphold and operate as a pioneer of supportive housing and social services in NYC for people with mental health concerns. We proudly lead advocacy efforts that rally our community to promote human rights, social justice, and economic opportunities for all. We are built upon the simple truth that people are experts in their own lives. Our programs are spread across 25 locations and include over 1200 units of supportive housing in three boroughs, the Howie the Harp Advocacy Center, Peer-driven Crisis Respite Center, Adult Home Initiative, Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) and the Intensive Mobile Team (IMT). 

Program/Department Description 

The Housing department provides permanent and affordable supportive housing for individuals living with mental health concerns and low-income community residents and families, as well as licensed transitional residential programs for individuals moving from institutions into the community.  Services are geared towards assisting people in maintaining their housing and moving forward with their lives in stable community-based environments.   

Position Overview 

The Youth Advocate provides engagement, recreational activities and support services to the children and young adults families who are living in Community Access’ supported housing programs. The Youth Advocate focuses on developing and facilitating group activities to engage young people and their families in community building, recreation, education, health and wellness, urban agriculture and nutrition and off-site trips and activities. The Youth Advocate may work individually with youth who are interested in defining personal, educational and vocational goals, helping them to create service plans and providing support to reach their goals using a person-centered approach. 

Key Performance Indicators 

All key performance indicators below are expected to be met fully. 

• Facilitate daily groups for children, youth and/or families based on the interests and ages of children.
• Ensure that documentation of all groups and individual services are documented within 48 hours of the activity or meeting.

Job Qualifications 

• Have an understanding, appreciation, and commitment to the philosophy and mission of Community Access. 
• Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent (GED) required.
• Be a certified Youth Peer Advocate or able to get this certification with one year of hire.
• Qualified candidates must be young adults with lived experience in the children’s behavioral health, education, child welfare, or other child-serving system. 
• Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Be creative and flexible.
• Ability to utilize various computer programs, specifically Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Show initiative and be responsible for following through.
• Ability to maintain confidential information, as related to position.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Be skilled in conflict mediation/negotiation and have an assertive approach to problem solving.
• Must be fingerprinted and cleared through a background clearance process.
• Bilingual Spanish-speaking, preferred. Ability to speak other relevant languages, dependent on specific needs of program participants.

Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. 

Interested candidates should apply on www.communityaccess.org/jobs. 

Community Access is an Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/D/V. 

Women, People of Color and Members of the LGBT community are strongly encouraged to apply. 

We are dedicated to a workforce where at least 51% of our employees identify as  

having a personal experience using mental health services. www.communityaccess.org