Youth Peer Advocate

Vibrant Emotional Health is a pioneering non-profit organization committed to delivering high-quality emotional wellness services and support across diverse communities. Operating for over 50 years, Vibrant has established itself as a leader in mental health advocacy, education, and technology-enabled service delivery. The organization focuses on creating an inclusive society where emotional wellness is accessible for everyone, regardless of their background or circumstance. Their innovative approach incorporates community wellness programs, dedicated peer support services, and widespread advocacy efforts, making a significant impact on individual and collective mental health outcomes.

Vibrant Emotional Health's Family and Youth Peer Support Services department aims to empower families and young people navigating the complexities of emotional and behavioral health challenges. Within this dynamic department, the Youth Peer Advocate role is integral to supporting and advocating for young people between the ages of 18 to 30 who are facing social, emotional, medical, developmental, substance use, or behavioral challenges. The position involves leveraging personal lived experiences to connect with youth and guide them toward successful transitions into adulthood through leadership development, personalized support, and empowerment strategies.

Positioned in a hybrid working environment located in Bronx, NY, the Youth Peer Advocate operates on a full-time schedule including weekdays and some Saturdays, with occasional evening hours as required. The role offers competitive hourly pay ranging from $29.23 to $32.93, reflecting the candidate's skills, experience, and qualifications. This full-time position includes travel responsibilities of roughly 0 to 10 percent, emphasizing local community engagement and participation.

The Youth Peer Advocate contributes to the organization's mission by collaborating with Family Peer Advocates to engage youth in planning their own care, ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making processes. The role requires sharing personal insights regarding the youth-serving system, available resources, and mental health issues. The advocate provides individualized and group support, helps organize social and educational activities, participates in public education on youth mental health, and represents youth interests in community forums and advisory groups.

This role demands strong communication skills, leadership qualities, proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, and a flexible approach to working hours to meet the needs of the community effectively. Bilingual and bicultural applicants are encouraged to apply, underscoring Vibrant Emotional Health's commitment to diversity and inclusion. Importantly, candidates with exceptional skills who do not meet every qualification are also welcomed to bring their unique backgrounds to the role. Physical requirements involve mostly sedentary activities using standard office equipment, with a need for composure under stress and sound judgment.

Vibrant Emotional Health provides a robust benefits package for full-time employees, including medical, dental, vision, supplemental income insurance, employer-paid disability and life insurance, pre-tax flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care, and 401K options. This comprehensive support structure ensures that the Youth Peer Advocate can focus on positively impacting the lives of the youth they serve while maintaining their own well-being.

The organization is an equal opportunity employer, actively encouraging applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds without discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, or other protected characteristics. Applicants are advised to be vigilant against fraudulent job postings and solicitations and to trust official communications from Vibrant only when they come from verified organizational email addresses. This role offers a meaningful opportunity to join a committed team dedicated to making a difference in youth mental health and community wellbeing.