Family Peer Advocate I

We have an amazing opportunity for a Family Peer Advocate in our Syracuse NY location. This position is an exciting opportunity to be a part of a new Community-Based Program, the Family Opportunity Center (FOC) at Hillside.

The FOC is a safe, welcoming place for families and youth, where enrolled caregivers can come to develop their parenting skills, participate in educational and support groups, be connected to resources in the community, develop leadership skills, and build their social support systems.

We offer a competitive benefits package.

Under the supervision and general direction of the assigned manager, the Family Peer Advocate provides outreach, information, referrals, advocacy services, and helps to coordinate family support services for families of children with special needs.

Applicant must have Lived Experience personally and / or as a parent / caregiver of a child with a social, emotional, developmental, medical, substance use, and / or behavioral challenges;

and experience in navigating service systems to obtain services and resources.

Responsibilities :

• Provide emotional support to families through phone and face to face meetings.
• Meet program specific billable service requirements (as appropriate).
• Meet documentation requirements in a timely manner per program guidelines.
• Provide family support as needed.
• Coach families on how to advocate for themselves.
• Facilitate / co-facilitate educational and support groups with families.
• At the point of intake, help families assess their own resources for services needed. (such as respite, transportation and child care)
• Help families find ways to meet their basic needs of food, clothing, shelter, safety, and health.
• Assist families in identifying parenting skills which could be strengthened, and model these skills to the families.
• Act as an advocate in identifying and accessing community services and resources for families.
• Help family identify gaps in services needed and assist in planning to eliminate gap.
• Help families to identify strengths upon which to build a foundation of improved communication and coping skills.

Requirements :

Must have lived experience based on program and funder requirements : Lived Experience personally and / or as a parent / caregiver of a child with a social, emotional, developmental, medical, substance use, and / or behavioral challenges;

and experience in navigating service systems to obtain services and resources.

• MUST include a COVER LETTER DESCRIBING RELEVANT EXPERIENCE with resume
• Must have a minimum of a High School Diploma or GED
• Must have experience in navigating systems (general or special education, court, specialized therapies, etc.) to obtain services for their child / family / self and / or have experience supporting / assisting other families in obtaining assistance
• Must have experience in navigating systems (general or special education, court, specialized therapies, etc.) to obtain services and / or have experience supporting / assisting other families in obtaining assistance
• Have a valid driver’s license and meet agency driving standards

$16.99 Minimum Rate per hour, $25.49 Maximum Rate per hour, based on experience.

Hillside is committed to equal opportunities for all, supporting a diverse workforce, creating great opportunities for our Agency, our people, and to those whom we serve.

We offer a competitive benefits package to include very generous paid time off, comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage, flexible spending account, 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer match, paid holidays, and Employee Assistance Plan, just to name a few of the amazing benefits at Hillside! You’ll be working with great people and great clientele where you can truly make a difference.

Apply online, get on board, and grow your career with us. You’ll be so glad you did!

EOE / AA Disability / Veteran