OMH Safe Spaces | Alex Eligh Community Center, Newark NY
Are you between the ages of 18 and 29 and have some experience with any of the systems that serve youth? This could be the mental health system, the juvenile justice system or even the substance use system. If so, and if you are passionate about supporting kids as they build a safe space of their own, then this job might be for you! This role is a really unique chance to help build a space where young people feel safe, connected, and believed in!
The Youth Peer Advocate (YPA) is a full-time, on-site role within Delphi Rise’s OMH Safe Spaces program, launching at the Alex Eligh Community Center in Newark, Wayne County. Selected as part of the first cohort of Safe Spaces grantees, Delphi Rise is creating a youth-driven environment for young people ages 12–24 to gather, grow, and lead, and YOU will be a key part of this important work.
What You Will Do
Connect and Support Youth
Youth Peer Advocates build strong, trusting relationships with young people through one-on-one peer mentoring, group facilitation, and informal drop-in engagement. You will help create a welcoming, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive space where youth feel seen and supported. Through groups, activities, and community events, you will promote connection, self-advocacy, goal-setting, and access to supportive resources.
Lead Youth Voice and Needs Assessment
Youth Peer Advocates play a central role in leading the youth-led needs assessment process. With support from the Program Manager, you will engage youth in co-designing assessment tools, facilitate focus groups and peer discussions, and support youth in analyzing findings and identifying priorities for change. These insights will directly shape program design and continuous quality improvement.
Support Youth Leadership and the Youth Advisory Board
You will help launch and co-facilitate early Youth Advisory Board meetings, supporting youth as they build leadership skills, confidence, and ownership of the space. Over time, you will help youth transition into independently planning, leading, and evaluating meetings, while assisting with logistics such as agendas, reminders, and stipends in ways that always center youth decision-making.
Collaborate and Keep the Space Running Smoothly
Youth Peer Advocates work closely with the Program Manager, fellow Peer Advocates, interns, and volunteers to ensure consistent, safe coverage during after-school, evening, and weekend hours. You will help maintain a 1:10 staff-to-youth ratio, participate in data collection and reporting, and uphold confidentiality and ethical standards in all interactions.
Who We Are Looking For
We are looking for someone who brings lived experience with mental health challenges, substance use, or other youth system involvement and who can share that experience in ways that inspire and support others. Applicants must be credentialed, provisionally credentialed, or actively working toward Youth Peer Advocate Certification through Families Together in NYS. If not yet credentialed, applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 29 to qualify.
Experience with peer mentoring, group facilitation, or youth development is strongly preferred, along with a commitment to trauma-informed, healing-centered, and culturally responsive practices. Strong communication skills, teamwork, and a willingness to engage in ongoing training and reflective supervision are essential.
Supervision and Support
Youth Peer Advocates report directly to the Youth Safe Spaces Program Manager and receive ongoing peer supervision from a qualified supervisor with lived peer support experience, consistent with the National Ethical Guidelines and Practice Standards for Peer Supporters.
Additional Information
This is a full-time position at 35 hours per week, with hours scheduled after school, evenings, and weekends. The role is based at the Alex Eligh Community Center in Newark, NY and includes opportunities for Youth Mental Health First Aid, Motivational Interviewing, and leadership development training. Delphi Rise offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a mission-driven, supportive work environment.
Compensation: $20.00 – $22.00 per hour, depending on experience and credentialing status AND we have incredible health care benefits
FLSA Status: Full-time (35 hours per week), Non-Exempt
Location: Alex Eligh Community Center, Newark, NY
