Family Peer Advocate Community Based Support Services program

Program Summary

Home & Community Based Support Services consists of three programs with the goal of keeping children in the home with their family by providing counseling, psychoeducation, skill building, support and linkage.

The Family Peer Advocate provides advocacy, education, and support to families of children with mental health, behavioral health, substance use, developmental disabilities and medically fragile challenges, helping them navigate and access community resources, services, and natural supports. The Family Peer Advocate builds strong relationships with families by offering a unique, empathetic understanding of their needs and challenges, ultimately fostering safe, stable, and connected family units.

A New Adventure Every Day:
No more mundane desk work! Every day is different, as you'll be on the move, visiting new places, and interacting with diverse individuals. The variety of each day keeps things exciting!

No Desk, No Problem:
Say goodbye to being tied to a desk. If you're someone who thrives on autonomy, a home-based role is perfect for you. Whether you're in your car, out in the field, or at a client’s location, you won't be stuck in one place.

• Serve as a trusted advocate for families, using personal experience as a parent of a child with mental health, behavioral health, substance use, developmental disabilities and/or significant medical concerns to offer authentic, informed guidance.
• Assist families in accessing necessary services, supports, and resources both within the community and through waiver programs.
• Actively work to connect families with natural supports, such as community groups, extended family, or peer networks.
• Provide families with information about available community resources, including but not limited to educational, cultural, recreational, and mental health supports.
• Help families navigate and engage with resources that are culturally appropriate, individualized to meet their needs and sustainable.
• Ensure families have access to activities that enhance family cohesion and long‑term stability.
• Collaborate with other service providers, mental health professionals, and community organizations to ensure comprehensive support for families.

• Meet with families in their homes and/or communities to assess needs, provide support, and facilitate access to necessary services and activities.
• Work with individual parents/guardians to ensure all needs are met and to promote engagement in the larger community.

• Personal experience as a parent or caregiver, raising or having raised a child with a history of emotional or behavioral challenges.
• Credentialed Family Peer Advocate.
• Valid NYS Driver’s License and a personal vehicle.
• Flexible schedule allowing evenings and weekends.
• High school diploma or G.E.D.
• Deep understanding of the challenges families face and ability to connect with families based on shared lived experience.
• Knowledge of community resources and services for families of children with mental health concerns.
• Ability to facilitate support groups and engage families in meaningful activities.

$18 to $19 depending on experience.

• Paid Time Off (20 PTO days, 25 after five years)
• 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) with 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) with right away and employer contributions after two years (1000 hours each year)

Child and 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 and 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.

Entry level

Full‑time

Other

Industry: Non‑profit organizations

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