Are you excited by the prospect of working for an organization that truly values your contributions, provides opportunities for growth and development, AND gives you a chance to make a difference in the lives of children and families?

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

The Peer Youth Advocate is a non-exempt position responsible for providing ongoing support to youth and their families experiencing legal involvement by using their lived experience within the juvenile justice, substance abuse, and/or mental health systems to deliver appropriate and relatable peer support services to youth. Peer Youth Advocates work in conjunction with trained Youth Engagement Coaches to provide outreach, engagement, and referrals.

• Provide in-person response to youth, their families, and their formal/informal support network, including law enforcement.
• Assist individuals in navigating the juvenile justice, substance abuse, and/or mental health systems, helping them build resiliency and develop their potential.
• Provide mentoring services to youth within their homes and communities to advocate, support, and engage our juveniles and their families.
• Attend monthly meetings with the care team, including, but not limited to, the school department, local law enforcement, and other community partners.
• Provide information, referral, and follow-up with appropriate ancillary community counseling, psychiatric services, financial, employment, parenting, housing, and other services deemed appropriate to meet client and family needs.
• Coordinate with juvenile, family, and community members to meet the juvenile’s needs.
• Assist youth in developing and maintaining positive relationships with family members and other supportive adults.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• $17.00 per hour
• Paid Time Off based on number of hours worked.
• Immediate eligibility to participate in 403b Savings Plan with 25% match.
• Continuous training and professional development opportunities
• Mileage Reimbursement
• An opportunity to make the world a better place!

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Certified Peer Specialist, preferred.
• Must demonstrate lived experience, whether direct and/or indirect, with the juvenile justice, mental health, and/or substance use, and successful recovery management.
• Ability to work in a stressful environment under sometimes difficult client situations, including potential exposure to clients who may be verbally and/or physically aggressive
• Share one's own story to engage, support, and inspire others while representing how to engage meaningfully in their own lives.
• Ability to maintain a nonjudgmental approach, active listening, and promote positive interactions.
• Demonstrates ability to take initiative and remain flexible to client needs and scheduling.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Computer experience, which includes Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and Electronic Health Records.
• Must possess strong oral and written communication skills.
• Must have a valid driver’s license with auto insurance coverage.

WHO WE ARE:

From babies to seniors, Gulf Coast JFCS serves all people in need, regardless of race, religion, culture or gender identity. Our programs span a broad human service spectrum, from behavioral and mental health, child welfare and adoption, family support, job and employment transition, housing, food, transportation or home care assistance for the elderly.

GCJFCS offers an opportunity to gain field experience and direct client contact hours for both Bachelor’s and Master’s level practicum and internships. For license-eligible candidates, we offer both individual and group supervision from a Board-Certified qualified supervisor to fulfill state requirements at no cost to the employee.

Gulf Coast JFCS is an equal opportunity employer. Gulf Coast JFCS is committed to maintaining a work environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, or inappropriate behavior. Gulf Coast JFCS will not tolerate discrimination against its employees on the basis of their race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity, sexual orientation, workers’ compensation status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

EOE/Drug-Free Workplace/ E-Verify