what is the role of a youth peer advocate? · thank you . title: youth guided author: azaria...
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What is the Role of a Youth Peer Advocate? January 22, 2018 PRESENTERS: AZARIA WITTEKIND AND ALEX FRISINA YOUTH POWER!
What is the Role of a Youth Peer Advocate?
A man falls into a hole so deep he can’t get out.
A doctor walks by, and the man calls for help. The doctor writes a prescription, tosses it into the hole, and walks on.
A priest walks by, and the man tries again. The priest writes a prayer,
tosses it into the hole, and walks on.
Finally a friend walks by, and again the man asks for help. To his surprise, the friend jumps in with him.
“Why did you do that?” the man asks. “Now we’re both in the hole.”
“Yes,” the friend responds. “But I’ve been in this hole before, and I
know the way out.”
Peer Support
What is a Youth Peer Advocate?
• Share Recovery/Resiliency Story
• Empower to be self-directed
Peer Support
• Empower to speak up for themselves
• Advocate for them Peer
Advocacy From: “New York State Office of Mental Health, HCBS Waiver Program Youth Peer Advocate Training Manual” YOUTH POWER! & Cornell University, 2015.
Youth Peer Advocate Expertise
Knowledge of the provider system
Knowledge of Community Resources and opportunities
Knowledge of peer movements & resources for self-advocates
Personal Recovery/Resiliency Story
Benefits of having YPAs
Youth
Families
Adult Allies
Organizations
Communities
NYS Credentialing Peer Support History
Youth Guided Practices
Trauma informed Practices
Cultural Competence
Professional expectations
Small group facilitation skills
System navigation
Supporting skill development
Wellness and Recovery
Advocacy
Goal setting
Independence
What do YPA’s report as barriers? Ageism
Stigma
Fear, discomfort, misunderstanding
Lack of clarity in the role as Youth Peer Advocate (Expectations?)
Understanding responsibilities of self and others
Frequency of meaningful training
Lack of needed supervision & support
Regulating strong emotions & wellness (secondary trauma)
Defining words like “Safety” and “Boundaries”
Youth Guided Practice The First Step for Integrating YPAs
Giving young people a sustainable voice and then listening to that
voice
Creating safe environments
Recognizing the continuum of
power “Youth Guided means that
young people have the right to be empowered, educated, and given a
decision making role in the care of their own lives as well as the policies and
procedures governing care for all youth in the
community, state and nation.”
- Youth M.O.V.E. National
Setting the Stage
Partner with youth led groups including YP! Evaluate readiness – (tools are available!)
Have a flexible plan that leaves room for problem solving and creativity
Prepare Staff and Clinicians – make sure they are aware of the purpose, role and activities that are to come. Ask them to help create an environment where youth are meaningfully engaged
Have a job description with clear expectations of the role. Sample descriptions available
Code of ethics
Transportation
Identify peer support opportunities
Pre-Hire Considerations Defining the position
Pre-Hire Considerations Recruiting YPAs Build an understand of and connection to our social-
justice & civil rights movement
Utilize existing movement events and activities to draw in new people
Initiate Youth Advisory/Leadership Groups – the young people you serve may very well be the next YPA!
Partner with other organizations and agencies
Recognize the effects of stigma and discrimination
Ensure approaches are culturally competent and address current youth culture
Pre-Hire Considerations Interview Process & Onboarding
Interview process Diverse team including a young person to provide the youth
perspective
Sample interview questions
Structured orientation/onboarding Topics to consider: HR and program orientation,
overview & understanding the YPA role, work place expectations, boundaries, effective communication, strategic sharing, role plays, HIPAA, mandated reporting, cultural competency, trauma informed care, self-care & support, safety planning, system navigation
Supervision & Coaching Professional Development Natural mentorship
opportunities Reasonable
accommodations Clear expectation on
safety and boundaries
Pre-Hire Considerations Supporting the position
Don’t make assumptions
Supporting flexible positions while holding to high standards
Respecting the right to choose what to disclose and to whom
Pre-Hire Considerations Respecting the person
YPA interviews Dec 2016:
Supervision- laid back style, holding YPA’s accountable, check in on personal and professional life, regular supervision, encourage applying for full time positions and advancement when ready
Having clear expectations of position and education on population working with
YPA’s need to be in a good place in their own recovery with the right supports in place before becoming a YPA
YPA interviews Dec 2016:
YPA’s want to be treated as young professionals
Negative perception of YPA position has led to YPA’s not feeling valued, not getting hired into full time positions within the agency and even hired into other agencies. Some YPA’s feel supported by their agencies while others feel looked down upon or not taken seriously due to their position.
Agency & Supervisor training & support
YOUTH POWER! Technical Assistance
Youth Peer Advocate Leaders
Future CTAC trainings
Utilize Local and National resources
Please send us recommendations or questions you would like explored in the future.
What YOUTH POWER! can offer you!
Peer Leader Support and Development Professional Development for YPAs
Youth Peer Advocate Leaders Meetings Support and collaboration for Supervisors of YPAs
The How To’s of Youth Guided Practice
Online resources; Tip sheets
Guides
Webinars
Videos
Open position New York City RYP
1-888-326-8644
Open position Western RYP
1-888-326-8644
Alex Frisina Long Island RYP
[email protected] 631-245-5289
Mica Gonzalez Central RYP
[email protected] 315-679-1476
Brennan Williams Hudson River RYP
[email protected] 518-322-2096
A motivated peer
between the ages of 18-30
A motivated peer
between the ages of 18-30
Questions or Technical Assistance Requests
Toll Free: 1-888-326-8644 [email protected]
www.YOUTHPOWERNY.org
@YOUTHPOWERNY
/YOUTHPOWER.NY
YOUTH POWER! Contact
Q & A
Thank You