What is the Role of a Youth Peer Advocate?

Transcription

1 What is the Role of a Youth Peer Advocate? January 22, 2018 PRESENTERS: AZARIA WITTEKIND AND ALEX FRISINA YOUTH POWER!

2 What is the Role of a Youth Peer Advocate?

3 Peer Support 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.

4 What is a Youth Peer Advocate? Peer Support Share Recovery/Resiliency Story Empower to be selfdirected Peer Advocacy Empower to speak up for themselves Advocate for them From: New York State Office of Mental Health, HCBS Waiver Program Youth Peer Advocate Training Manual YOUTH POWER! & Cornell University, 2015.

5 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

6 Benefits of having YPAs Youth Families Adult Allies Organizations Communities

7 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

8 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

9 Youth Guided Practice The First Step for Integrating YPAs 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 Creating safe environments Recognizing the continuum of power Giving young people a sustainable voice and then listening to that voice

10 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

11 Pre-Hire Considerations Defining the position Have a job description with clear expectations of the role. Sample descriptions available Code of ethics Transportation Identify peer support opportunities

12 Pre-Hire Considerations Recruiting YPAs Build an understand of and connection to our socialjustice & 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

13 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

14 Pre-Hire Considerations Supporting the position Supervision & Coaching Professional Development Natural mentorship opportunities Reasonable accommodations Clear expectation on safety and boundaries

15 Pre-Hire Considerations Respecting the person Don t make assumptions Supporting flexible positions while holding to high standards Respecting the right to choose what to disclose and to whom

16 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

17 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.

18 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.

19 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

20 Alex Frisina Long Island RYP Mica Gonzalez Central RYP A motivated peer between the ages of Open position New York City RYP Brennan Williams Hudson River RYP BWilliams@youthpowerny.org Open position Western RYP A motivated peer between the ages of 18-30

21 Questions or Technical Assistance Requests Contact YOUTH POWER! Toll Free:

22 Q & A

23 Thank You