Two years of experience participating in self -help activities, peer support or advocacy programs, or similar organizations. Applicant must have been in child welfare placement for two years or more above the age of 8 or had juvenile justice placement or received homeless youth services in New York State or are a parent who has had a child involved in the juvenile justice system. DJJOY Peer Specialists serve and assist parents of DJJOY youth and build a stream of support both through their relationship with them and by connecting parents to other parents. Isolation due to the stigma of having a justice-involved child is one of the biggest challenges for parents of placed youth. Peer Specialists will serve to relieve that burden. Their ability to understand, first hand, what a parent is facing is critical. Therefore the DJJOY Peer Specialists will be required to have experience of having a juvenile justice involved child. The circumstance of being the parent of a child who was or is in the system is a critical point of connection for the parents being supported.

The incumbent will be responsible for performing the following duties: Build a supportive relationship with parents. Run and/or direct parents to support groups/workshops. Support the parents OCFS placed youth in meetings and appointments. Support the parents of OCFS placed youth who are in crisis. Provide advocacy for parents of youth placed with OCFS. Connect parents to larger empowerment movements to elevate their understanding of their role promoting families. Meet with parents on a regular basis through 1:1 engagements in the community and at scheduled meetings. Engage parents through the groups, trips, and other family engagement events. Help organize and plan monthly family informational nights. Participate in mandated and elective training opportunities as prescribed by OCFS. Work closely with OCFS family engagement specialists and the statewide family engagement specialist. Help promote and support the active involvement of families in events or activities that occur at OCFS facilities and in community programs.