Family Peer Advocate- Residential Treatment Program

Position Summary:

The Family Peer Advocate serves as a bridge between families and the residential treatment program, using their lived experience as a caregiver of a child with emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs. The Family Peer Advocate provides support, education, and advocacy to families whose children are receiving care in a residential setting. This role is vital in helping families navigate the treatment process, increase engagement, and feel empowered to participate actively in their child’s care and recovery.

The Family Peer Advocate is responsible for providing advocacy, education, and emotional support to families of youth referred to the Residential Treatment Facility (RTF). The Family Peer Advocate works collaboratively with families, referral sources, and internal teams to facilitate access to services and provide essential information regarding treatment options.

This role requires “Lived Experience” and flexibility with working hours, including evenings, as determined by family needs that arise outside of regular service hours.

Major Responsibilities:

Family Peer Advocacy Responsibilities:

• Provide peer support, advocacy, and education to families navigating the residential treatment process.
• Utilize personal lived experience to offer guidance and empathy to caregivers of youth with mental health challenges.
• Support the efforts of families in caring for and strengthening their children’s mental, and physical health, development and well-being of their children by assisting the family learn and practice strategies to support their child’s positive behavior.
• Promote effective family-driven practice. Attend and/or facilitate meetings to promote family voice and infuse a family perspective at all levels: individual provider, agency, local planning, state and national policy making.
• Assist families in understanding available community and mental health resources and how to access them.
• Connect families with community supports that foster stability and resilience.
• Facilitate and coordinate family/parent support groups to encourage peer-to-peer engagement.
• Facilitate parent training and education to increase knowledge and skills while providing opportunities for networking with other families and creating natural supports.
• Lead/conduct Family Peer Advocate staff training and manage projects, as directed.
• Engage families in cultural, educational, and recreational activities to strengthen family cohesion.
• Advocate on behalf of families to ensure their voice is heard in treatment planning and service coordination.
• Maintain positive relationships with internal and external partners, ensuring families receive comprehensive and holistic support.
• While this job description covers many aspects of the role, employees may be required to perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma/GED required; Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work, or related field preferred.
• Lived experience as a parent or caregiver of a child with emotional or behavioral health challenges.
• Credentialed as a Family Peer Advocate (or willingness to obtain credentialing).
• Minimum of two years of experience working in mental health, social services, or related field.
• Strong knowledge of community resources and mental health systems in New York State.
• Excellent communication, advocacy, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in using electronic medical records (EMR) and other data systems preferred.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed.
• Valid New York State driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Competitive Pay Rate of $21-$25 per hour based on education and experience

CFS offers full-time employees the below benefits to support our employees and their families and help to create a healthy work environment.

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
  –20 PTO Days (25 Days After Five Years of Employment)
  –14 Paid Holidays (includes 2 flex holidays)
  – Bereavement: Four Paid Days
  – Paid Jury Duty
• Employer Paid Life Insurance
• Medical, Two Plan Options
• Dental, Two Plan Options
• Vision Insurance
• Wellness Program and Incentives
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Quarterly Employer-Contributions
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Dependent Care FSA
• Employee Referral Bonus
• Qualifying Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
• 403(b) Right Away and Employer-Contributions After Two Years

Child and Family Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer:

Child & Family Services provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran or familial status, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Child & Family Services complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.