Peer Specialist - Youth Services

NY HELP No Agency Children & Family Services, Office of Title Peer Specialist - Youth Services Occupational Category Other Professional Careers Salary Grade 09 Bargaining Unit ISU - Institutional Services Unit (CSEA) Salary Range From $42641 to $52413 Annually Employment Type Full-Time Appointment Type Permanent Jurisdictional Class Non-competitive Class Travel Percentage 30% Workweek Mon-Fri Hours Per Week 37.5 Workday From 9 AM To 5 PM Flextime allowed? No Mandatory overtime? No Compressed workweek allowed? No Telecommuting allowed? Yes County Monroe Street Address Rochester CMSO 259 Monroe Avenue City Rochester State NY Zip Code 14607 Duties Description Under the direction of the Family Engagement Specialist, the DJJOY Peer Specialists will assist CMSO staff by engaging youth and families through a network of parent/caregiver support groups, connecting them to community based resources, and empowering families to advocate for their own needs. They will strengthen the families ability to utilize resources available to them and encourage positive relationships between youth and parent/caregiver. The incumbent will be responsible for performing the following duties:u2022 Build a supportive relationship with parents.u2022 Assist Family Engagement Specialist in organizing and conducting monthly parent support groups/workshops.u2022 Support the parents of OCFS placed youth in meetings and appointments.u2022 Provide advocacy for parents of youth placed with OCFS.u2022 Connect parents to larger empowerment movements to elevate their understanding of their role promoting families.u2022 Meet with parents on a regular basis through 1:1 engagements in the community and at scheduled meetings, at the discretion of the Family Engagement Specialist. u2022 Participate in mandated and elective training opportunities as prescribed by OCFS.u2022 Work closely with OCFS Family Engagement Team and CMSO staffu2022 Help promote and support the active involvement of families in events or activities that occur at OCFS facilities and in community programs. Minimum Qualifications Two years of experience participating in self -help activities, peer support or advocacy programs, or similar organizations. Applicant musthave been in child welfare placement for two years or more above the age of 8 or had juvenile justice placement or receivedhomeless youth services in New York State or are a parent who has had a child involved in the juvenile justice system. Additional Comments Telecommuting is available for this position, however, it is at the sole discretion of the assigned supervisor and the Office of Community Partnerships when a candidate may be considered. Telecommuting applications will be reviewed and approved on a case by case basis in accordance with the OCFS Telecommuting Pilot Program Policy.Background Investigation Requirements:1) All prospective employees will be investigated through a Criminal Background Check (CBC), which includes State and federal Criminal History Record Checks. All convictions must be reported; conviction of a felony or misdemeanor, or any falsified or omitted information on the prospective appointeeu2019s employment application, may bar appointment or result in removal after appointment. Each case will be determined on its own merits, consistent with the applicable provisions of State and federal laws, rules, and regulations. Prospective employees will be fingerprinted in order to obtain a record of their criminal history information, and may be required to pay any necessary fees. 2) All prospective employees will be screened against the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR). Prospective employees will be required to pay any necessary fees. 3) For Division of Juvenile Justice and Opportunities for Youth (DJJOY) prospective appointees will be checked against the Staff Exclusion List (SEL) maintained by the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs. Prospective employees whose names appear on the SEL as having been found responsible for serious or repeated acts of abuse or neglect will be barred from appointment and may have their names removed from the eligible list(s) for the title(s) if applicable. The Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) is an equal opportunity employer. OCFS does not discriminate based upon age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, military or veteran status, sex, disability (including pregnancy-related conditions), predisposing genetic characteristics, familial status, marital status or status as a victim of domestic violence, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We devote special attention to dismantling racial injustice and recognize that diversity in our workforce is critical to fulfilling our mission. We are committed to the diversity of our staff, and encourage applicants from marginalized communities to apply. In furtherance of Executive Order 31 and OCFSu2019s mission to have a diverse workforce, all people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. All applicants must be dedicated to working in and sustaining an environment of inclusion that affirms and celebrates the backgrounds, learned and lived expertise, whole identities, and individual perspectives of our staff. Applicants of all backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to self-identify during the application process. Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity. Name New York State Office of Children and Family Services Telephone 518-473-7936 Fax 518-473-6122 Email Address Address Street Bureau of Personnel - MG 52 Washington Street, 231 North City Rensselaer State NY Zip Code 12144 Notes on Applying Qualified candidates should e-mail their resume and letter of interest to You MUST include the Vacancy number of the position in the subject line of your email and/or cover letter to ensure receipt of your application. In order to qualify you for the position when you have current or prior New York State employment, you may be contacted by OCFS Personnel for your social security number to confirm your employment history.

Created: 2026-03-07