Youth Peer Advocate (YPA)

About Us

Mount Behavioral Health is a values-driven mental health organization dedicated to providing person-centered, culturally responsive care. We are expanding our Peer Services Team and are seeking certified Youth Peer Advocates (YPA) to support youth in achieving their wellness goals through mentorship, advocacy, and lived experience.

Position Summary

The Youth Peer Advocate (YPA) will utilize their own lived experience with emotional or behavioral health challenges to provide support, hope, and empowerment to youth ages 14–21. Services will be delivered in the home, school, remotely, or within the community.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one peer support to youth in their home, school, community, or remotely
• Use shared lived experience to build trust and promote empowerment
• Support youth in identifying strengths, building natural supports, and navigating available services
• Assist youth in setting personal goals and making informed decisions
• Participate in interdisciplinary team and care-planning meetings as a youth voice
• Accurately document all services in accordance with OMH and agency standards

Qualifications

• Must be a Certified Youth Peer Advocate (YPA) through the New York State credentialing program
• Personal lived experience with mental health, substance use, juvenile justice, foster care, or special education systems
• Ability to work independently and maintain confidentiality
• Reliable internet access and community travel capability as needed
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience working with youth preferred
• Familiarity with Medicaid or OMH programs a plus

Job Type

• Part-time
• Flexible schedule
• Home and community-based work

If you are passionate about uplifting youth and using lived experience as a tool for healing and empowerment — we’d love to hear from you!