Peer Youth Advocate Job Opportunity

Families On The Move of New York City, Inc. (FOTM)

About Us:

Families On The Move of New York City, Inc. (FOTM) is a family-run, citywide organization advocating for the rights and full participation of children and families navigating learning, behavioral, emotional, mental wellness, and/or substance use challenges. Our mission is to promote health and wellness across the Health and Behavioral Health Systems.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Peer Youth Advocate (18–30 years old) with lived experience to support and empower youth facing social, emotional, medical, developmental, substance use, and/or behavioral challenges. This role emphasizes peer engagement, advocacy, and collaboration with youth and families.

Qualities We Value

• Peer Engagement: The ability to effectively connect and engage with youth. Peer Engagement is 90% of the Peer Youth Advocate's role and responsibility. This also includes engagement with staff and partner staff agencies.
• Commitment to the well-being of others
• Respectful and collaborative, team-oriented mindset
• Wisdom gained through lived experience
• Strong relationship-building skills

Qualifications & Requirements

• Age Requirement: 18–30 years old
• A high school diploma or its equivalent (college experience is a plus)
• Lived Experience: First-hand experience receiving mental health services or navigating child-serving systems (e.g., social, emotional, behavioral, or substance use challenges), share personal knowledge and experiences about the youth-serving systems and resources available to youth.
• Leadership Skills: Ability to positively reflect on and share personal experiences
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Flexibility: Willingness to work flexible hours, including travel (75% travel required) within the NYC boroughs
• Preferred: Bilingual and bicultural candidates are strongly encouraged to apply
• Vaccination Requirement: FOTM employees who are assigned to work at an Office of Mental Health (OMH) Facility must be fully vaccinated or willing to become fully vaccinated against COVID-19.  Candidates who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 may not start work.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide peer support to youth in community and organizational meetings
• Educating the public about youth mental health issues
• Assist in organizing social, recreational, and educational activities for youth
• Representing youth interests at councils, committees, and workgroups
• Enter services and maintain records in the data entry system
• Participate in training programs, including Peer Youth Power Credential, Mental Health First Aid, Peer Recovery Coach, and others
• Develop and facilitate youth advisory councils
• Serve as a peer bridger, assisting youth with transitions to the community or lower levels of care
• Representing youth voices in meetings, conferences, and workforce development training
• Telework as required, ensuring HIPAA compliance in a private, secure environment

Why Join FOTM?

At FOTM, we value diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds, races, ethnicities, genders, and those fluent in additional languages to apply. This is your opportunity to turn your experiences into impactful advocacy, helping families find hope and support.

Application Process

To apply, upload your cover letter and resume. In your cover letter, please outline your lived experiences and how they qualify you to be a Peer Youth Advocate.

Position Status: Non-exempt
Employment: At-will

Join us in amplifying the voices of youth and driving change in mental health advocacy! Apply today.