Independent Living Peer Advocate

PURPOSE:

The Peer Support Specialist provides non-clinical, strengths-based, and youth-centered support to teens and young adults experiencing emotional, social, educational, or life challenges. Drawing from their own lived experience, the Peer Support Specialist builds trusting relationships, offers mentorship, connects youth to resources, and promotes resilience and self-advocacy. This role works collaboratively with case management, community partners, and families to help young people achieve their personal goals.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide one-on-one peer support, mentorship, and guidance using trauma-informed and strength-based approaches for youth preparing to transition into the post 18 programs.
• Attend and participate in the Transition Plan meetings for youth preparing to turn 18 and in the initial Transition Plan meeting for young adults.   
• Provide transition support (including but not limited to moving day assistance/support, additional visits, service coordination etc.) to young adults during the initial 6 weeks of the young adult transitioning to adulthood.   
• Communicate/escalate youth/young adult issues, concerns, or risk to IL management.   
• Attend and support the monthly life skill group sessions held to prepare teens for the transition to adulthood.
• Participate in and promote youth/young adult self-advocacy through participation in the Youth Advisory Counsil, One Voice Impact, and Florida Youth Shine.  
• Participates in any calls, webinars or trainings pertaining to the IL program and its targeted population.
• Provides information, technical assistance and community resource connections to the subcontracted staff and IL clients. 
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of services, encounters, and follow-ups, including tracking efforts and monthly reports.  

A comprehensive benefits program including: 

• 5 weeks of PTO accruals available during the first year of employment
• 12 paid holidays
• Professional development
• Ongoing coaching and feedback
• Employee Assistance Program (“EAP”)

Health Benefits with shared premium costs, including:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life
• Short-term disability
• Long-term disability
• 401(k) retirement

Pay range- from $18.00 to $22.00 hourly

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field preferred. Minimum of two years social service experience is preferred. Minimum of three years of child welfare lived experience preferred.  

LIST OTHER MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Possess valid Florida Driver’s License in good standing and be insurable by the agency’s current insurance carrier. Must meet state criminal background check requirements. May not be actively receiving post 18 services such as extended Foster Care, aftercare, and Postsecondary Education Services and Support.