About GLYS

GLYS WNY builds affirming cultures and supportive communities for youth of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions.

GLYS provides a safe and positive environment for LGBTQ youth to learn more about themselves through peer interaction and educational experiences. The organization creates opportunities for emotional growth and community awareness.

​

Through GLYS outreach, other agencies learn about and increase their sensitivity to the needs of gender and sexual minority youth. GLYS provides LGBTQ youth with positive role models and a safe space, while promoting positive self-esteem and the integration of these youth into the larger community. GLYS can also assist youth and their families by providing resources and referrals.

Job Summary

GLYS seeks part-time Youth Peer Advocates (YPA) to engage in outreach and support for youth. GLYS seeks two candidates for this position, one to be based out of Batavia and Genesee County, and one to be based out of Jamestown and Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties. These positions will report directly to the Programs Manager and are part of the Pathways program funded by the New York State Office of Mental Health. Pathways will provide transgender, gender nonconforming, and non-binary (TGNCNB) youth, those questioning their gender, and their families access to supportive relationships aimed at expanding resilience, self advocacy, and access to affirming mental health supports. Serving all eight counties of Western New York, the program will act as a non-clinical entrypoint for TGNCNB youth into mental health systems, and provide alternative supports to build protective factors to lower rates of TGNCNB youth suicide and negative mental health outcomes.

This position will be 20 hours/week, requiring some evening and weekend work, and regular travel throughout the region.

Responsibilities

• Conduct outreach and engagement about GLYS programs
• Participate in community and school-based events
• Conduct 1-1 and group youth support, including weekly Drop-In hours
• Collaborate with GLYS Case Manager to provide youth with comprehensive services to meet their needs

Experience & Qualifications

There are innumerable ways to learn, grow, and excel professionally. We know people gain skills through a variety of professional, personal, educational, and volunteer experiences. We respect this when we review applications and take a broad look at the experience of each applicant. This said, we are most likely to be interested in your candidacy if you can demonstrate the majority of the qualifications and experiences listed below. If they do not already possess it, Youth Peer Advocates will be provided the support and training needed to receive the New York State Youth Peer Advocate Credential administered by YOUTH POWER! Of Families Together in NYS.

• Experience with and/or passion for issues impacting LGBTQ youth
• Lived experience with social, emotional, medical, developmental, substance use, and/or behavioral challenges as a young person or have received services in any one of the child-serving systems (juvenile justice, foster care, special education, or addiction recovery).
• Are 18-30 years of age
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to pass relevant background checks
• Have reliable transportation
• Have experience with team/collaborative work
• Are willing to learn and engage in professional development
• Are creative and able to improvise
• Can attend some evening and weekend programs
• Familiarity with social communication platforms (e.g. Zoom, Discord)

Compensation & Benefits

Part Time employees are eligible for PTO and holidays, and GLYS encourages a flexible work schedule and is currently operating on a hybrid in-person/work from home basis.

GLYS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Diversity of opinions, experiences, and backgrounds is a key asset.

Please share a resume and cover letter to Jack Kavanaugh at executive@glyswny.org

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Experience:

• youth development: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License and access to reliable transportation (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Batavia, NY: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person