Program Assistant Peer Advocate
PROGRAM ASSISTANT PEER ADVOCATE (PAPA)
Youth Rising
Klamath Falls, OR
Compensation: $11.00-$16.00 D.O.E. / Hourly, EOE
Report to: Program Director
OVERVIEW:
Youth Rising is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented young adult (peer) preferably with life experience in
foster care, mental health, addiction/recovery, incarceration/juvenile justice, Oregon Youth Authority, education, or
LGBTQ+, etc. This is a dual-focus position. The Program Assistant/ Peer Advocate will provide community-based
oversight and documentation management in addition to peer support services to young participants at the Youth Rising
Drop-in.
The Drop-in is open to youth ages 12-18, many of whom experience challenges related to mental health, oppression,
and other system involvement. You will build connections with youth and assist in needs-identification, solution
brainstorming, and self-advocacy. You will cultivate a welcoming environment and engage youth using peer support
and fun, engaging activities at the Drop-in. Expected to demonstrate competency in recovery and ongoing coping skills.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Program Assistant may:
• Work closely with Site Manager, Community Outreach (COPA), and Peer Advocates to foster a culture of positivity
and excellence
• Coordinate trainings for personal development and workforce development
• Oversee on-site program goals, documentation, and reporting
• Manage daily duties of the Drop-In center
• Navigate and manage tracking systems for youth development
• Create and manage a database of community partners
• Establish Volunteer recruitment, organization and leadership
• Provide Volunteer training and education
• Promote, host and organize community events
• Assist COPA to maintain a calendar of outreach activities, including community events, workshops, appearances, and
other communication opportunities.
• Nurture new and old relationships with collaborative partners.
• Schedule regular outreach exhibitions in the community and educate employees on community responsibility.
• Assist in the organization of special events, including donor/volunteer appreciation events and other fundraising
initiatives.
• Meet and take clear and concise notes with Coalition members and supervision staff on a regular basis.
The PAPA may:
• Assist youth in identifying and attending other support services, resources, or opportunities.
• Provide youth with assistance in developing natural supports.
• Assist youth in creating long-term life goals known as life-assignments.
• Utilize and assist youth in gaining problem-solving skills.
• Assist peers in identifying and combating negative self-talk.
• Providing and advocating for effective recovery-based services.
• Assisting peers in obtaining services that suit their recovery needs.
• Meeting with mental health professionals to improve relations between peers & staff.
• Modeling effective communication skills, and problem-solving to resolve a conflict between youth and staff.
• Utilize evidence-based practices including Positive Youth Development, CPS, Wraparound and the 40 Developmental
Assets.
The Program Assistant Peer Advocate will communicate and keep documentation on:
• Weekly supervisory meetings.
• All peer interactions to keep proper documentation for official purposes.
For more information about our organization, please visit: www.youthrising.com
• Any data related to goal setting/meeting.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor's degree in human services or related fields; or currently enrolled in undergrad/grad program; or
AS degree w/3+ years exp.
• 2+ years of office work experience.
• Outstanding written communication and presentation skills.
• Strong experience preparing reports.
• Friendly, enthusiastic, and positive attitude.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Strong attention to detail and time management.
• Outstanding oral/written communication skills and strong organizational skills.
• MUST be HIGHLY proficient in Microsoft Office applications including Excel and Word, Google Platform,
email, computer and technology use
• Preferred experience of 2+ years of office work.
• Detail-orientated with the ability to manage multiple projects at one time.
• Preferred history of receiving mental health services and be well-grounded in one’s own recovery, with at least two
years since diagnosis preferred.
• Knowledge and skills sufficient for establishing effective relationships with clients who have a mental illness in
order to support them in their own recovery.
• Must be able to create rapport with youth.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
• Ability to work independently and with staff as agency needs dictate.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build/sustain collaborative working relationships.
• Excellent advocacy and public speaking skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Strong attention to detail and time management.
• Outstanding oral/written communication skills and strong organizational skills.
• Identification as a peer with lived experience (mental health, foster care, etc.)
• *Multilingualism a plus (especially in Spanish and English)
PREFERRED CERTIFICATIONS:
First Aid Certification/(CPR) Certification
REQUIREMENTS:
Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and car insurance.
Willingness to update job skills and knowledge by participating in educational opportunities, reading professional
publications, and attending trainings.
Ability to pass a background check and drug screening.
Candidates MUST be able to use e-mail, compose documents, save and locate documents electronically, and
learn to use our Electronic Health Record (EHR) system. Proficiency in Word and other MS Office applications.
Incumbent is legally required to report all suspected incidents of child abuse/neglect.
Travel within the community may be required.
Duties involve working both indoors and outdoors.
POSITION TYPE & SCHEDULE:
Part-time (15-25 hours/week depending on preference and agreement at time of hiring)
Mon-Fri 1pm-6pm and some Saturdays throughout the year
*Schedule may include irregular hours, evenings, and/or weekends.
Please read the job post completely and carefully and reply with a cover letter and your resume. Reply via EMAIL
ONLY to programs@youthrising.com. Please, NO PHONE CALLS. Once both are received, we will send you an email
verifying that we've received your documents. Please do not call to inquire.
For more information about our organization, please visit: www.youthrising.com
Position open until filled.
For more information about our organization, please visit: www.youthrising.com