Youth Counselor jobs in Amherst, NY

Family Peer Advocate Employment Type: ☐ Part Time ☒ Full Time ☐ Exempt Salary ☒ Non-Exempt Hourly Reports To: Family Support Program Manager Family Peer Advocates take a mission-driven approach to empower and support families of children and young adults living with mental health challenges. They provide compassionate education, advocacy, and guidance to help families navigate systems of care and access the resources they need. Essential Functions Advocacy & Support: Promote a youth- and family-driven approach to service delivery that is strengths-based, culturally competent, and trauma-informed. Support families by attending service planning meetings, school conferences, and court appearances to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are met. Help caregivers prepare for these engagements by building confidence and understanding. Resource Navigation & System Support: Assist families in identifying, accessing, and coordinating services across child-serving systems including education, behavioral health, addiction services, juvenile justice, and child welfare. Act as a liaison to help bridge communication and trust between families and providers. Caregiver Skill Building: Provide coaching and support to caregivers in self-advocacy, stress management, communication strategies, and effective parenting techniques. Help families develop the skills and knowledge needed to navigate services and advocate for their children with confidence. Goal Planning & Care Collaboration: Work collaboratively with caregivers to develop individualized, strength-based goals and a plan of care that promotes the mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being of their children and families. Community-Based Support: Deliver peer support in flexible, accessible locations including family homes, schools, and community settings. Meet families where they are — physically and emotionally — to foster engagement and build meaningful relationships. Group Facilitation & Peer Connection: Lead or co-facilitate parent support groups, skill-building workshops, and educational sessions that promote healing, connection, and mutual support among families. Outreach & Engagement: Conduct outreach activities to identify and engage families who may be isolated or underserved. Build trusting relationships in the community by attending events and collaborating with schools, hospitals, and partner organizations to raise awareness of available support and peer services. Documentation & Reporting: Maintain timely, accurate, and confidential records of all family engagement, services provided, and progress toward goals, in accordance with agency and funder requirements. Performs other duties as assigned. Qualifications Lived experience as a parent or primary caregiver of a child, adolescent, or young adult with social, emotional, behavioral, developmental, or mental health challenges is required. High school diploma or equivalent required; additional education in human services, psychology, or a related field is preferred. Must possess or be eligible to obtain the New York State Family Peer Advocate Credential (provisional or full). Broad knowledge of the mental health system and familiarity with child-serving systems, community resources, and family support services. Strong interpersonal, relationship-building, and coaching skills, with the ability to provide empathetic, nonjudgmental, and culturally sensitive support to others. Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse audiences, both individually and in group settings. Strong organizational skills and sound independent decision-making abilities. Ability to maintain confidentiality and uphold professional boundaries. Comfortable working independently and collaboratively as part of a team, with a team-first attitude and a positive, solutions-focused demeanor. Flexible schedule, including availability for some evening and weekend hours as needed. Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, OneDrive), and the ability to complete timely documentation and communication using digital tools. Employee Benefits: Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage. Health Reimbursement Account Paid Time Off: PTO and Sick leave. 12 Paid Holidays 403(b) Retirement Plan Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Professional Development Opportunities Summer Hours Program One Remote Day Per Week Education: Bachelor's degree in Health Education or Human Services related field preferred but not required. A combination of education and comparable experience will also be considered. Travel Requirements Incumbents must possess a valid Driver License and reliable transportation with the ability to travel within New York State, as well as nationally, if required. Physical Requirements/Working Conditions The physical demands described represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and sit for long periods of time. The employee is required to regularly reach with arms and hands; use hands to handle. Hands and fingers frequently perform repetitive motion including typing/keying. Occasionally the employee will lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. This job requires close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Employee is required to regularly talk and hear. The above job description is not a contractual or binding document; it is provided as a guide to the types of duties required to be undertaken. Duties may vary from time to time, and this description is subject to review. Modifications will be made as needed to support changes in the business climate and requirements. The Mental Health Advocates of WNY is an equal employment opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit and business needs, and not on race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, age, weight, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status, political affiliation, or any other factor protected by law.