Orange County Braveheart Peer Navigator

Position Overview:

The Bravehearts will create a new and innovative peer led mentoring resource in the Newburgh community, and surrounding Orange County towns, for young adults to seek support and empowerment from their peers while advocating for the improvement of services by utilizing the inclusion of youth voice. The Peer Navigator will provide support services to youth within the target population of child welfare impact. The Peer Navigator will use both lived and learned experience to nurture, develop and facilitate the activities of the Orange County Bravehearts movement both administratively and programmatically while working in partnership with Orange County Department of Social Services. 

In addition, this position will require the ability to coordinate a weekly schedule to attend individual mentoring sessions with youth participants, facilitate group empowerment sessions, and coordinate weekend respite activities for youth. The Peer Navigator will help support the inclusion of authentic youth voices and provide mentoring support to youth to help address their individual needs, concerns and goals. This role does also require the ability to meaningfully engage family and professional partners. The PT Peer Navigator will work in partnership and under the coordination guidance of the FT peer Navigator. 

Position Qualifications:

Candidate must have a GED or high school diploma and have personal experience with the child welfare and/or mental health system in the areas of navigating the educational, employment, wellbeing and housing systems and resources. Must have a valid NYS Driver’s license and reliable access to an insured vehicle. Must have basic understanding and computer literacy skills with Microsoft office such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. Must have basic organizational skills and strong oral communication skills. Must have experience and ability to foster community partnerships. Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of culture, race and issues facing adolescents of color. Demonstrate ability to effectively use a multi-cultural approach in working with special needs youth. Embody a healing-based mindset and commit to practicing self-care strategies. Ability to work as a team member and independently, as well as actively participate in supervision. Ability to apply critical decision-making skills that promote Braveheart practices. Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with youth and families, as well as ability to partner with professionals. Willingness to speak publicly and participate in training and community discussion spaces. Ability to maintain communication logs and program data/documentation.