Peer Specialist Youth Services

Job Description

Under the direction of the Family Engagement Specialist, the DJJOY Peer Specialists will assist CMSO staff by engaging youth and families through a network of parent/caregiver support groups, connecting them to community based resources, and empowering families to advocate for their own needs. They will strengthen the families ability to utilize resources available to them and encourage positive relationships between youth and parent/caregiver.
The incumbent will be responsible for performing the following duties:
• Build a supportive relationship with parents.
• Assist Family Engagement Specialist in organizing and conducting monthly parent support groups/workshops.
• Support the parents of OCFS placed youth in meetings and appointments.
• Provide advocacy for parents of youth placed with OCFS.
• Connect parents to larger empowerment movements to elevate their understanding of their role promoting families.
• Meet with parents on a regular basis through 1:1 engagements in the community and at scheduled meetings, at the discretion of the Family Engagement Specialist.
• Participate in mandated and elective training opportunities as prescribed by OCFS.
• Work closely with OCFS Family Engagement Team and CMSO staff
• Help promote and support the active involvement of families in events or activities that occur at OCFS facilities and in community programs.

Minimum Qualifications:
Two years of experience participating in self -help activities, peer support or advocacy programs, or similar organizations. Applicant must
have been in child welfare placement for two years or more above the age of 8 or had juvenile justice placement or received
homeless youth services in New York State or are a parent who has had a child involved in the juvenile justice system.

Requirements

Two years of experience participating in self -help activities, peer support or advocacy programs, or similar organizations. Applicant must
have been in child welfare placement for two years or more above the age of 8 or had juvenile justice placement or received
homeless youth services in New York State or are a parent who has had a child involved in the juvenile justice system.