Overview

About Masa

Masa partners with Mexican and Latino children, youth, and families in the South Bronx to develop strong learners and leaders who fully contribute to the larger community. We envision a community that is civically engaged, empowered, and educated.

Masa’s community-led, integrated model engages the entire family, grounded in a deep commitment to strengthening literacy, leadership, and power for Mexican, Central American, and Indigenous People. Masa fosters a culturally responsive learning community in which families engage with direct service and advocacy programs to dismantle barriers to success.

About the Youth Peer Advocate

Masa is seeking a Youth Peer Advocate to collaborate with families to assess their needs and link them to appropriate resources in their community. The Youth Peer Advocate will be an individual 18 to 30 years old who has self-identified as a person who has first-hand experience with social, emotional, medical, developmental, substance use, and/or behavioral challenges, and has experience receiving mental health services and/or navigating other child-serving systems

The right person for this job will be excited about supporting immigrant and undocumented youth and families, be able to build and maintain relationships, possess wisdom gained through lived-experience, and show respect in all aspects of work

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Work in collaboration with all Family Peer Advocates in engaging youth in planning their own care and having their voice heard
  • Share personal knowledge and experiences about the youth serving system and resources available to youth
  • Provide support to youth at community meetings and other meetings as needed
  • Provide public education about youth mental health issues
  • Assist in the organization of social, recreational and educational activities for youth
  • Represent the interests of youth with emotional and behavioral challenges in a variety of public forums and advisory groups
  • Enter all services on a daily/weekly basis into a data entry system and maintain records up to date
  • Other duties as assigned

The ideal candidate will have the following skills and experience:

  • The Youth Peer Advocate will be an individual 18 to 30 years old who has self-identified as a person who has first-hand experience with social, emotional, medical, developmental, substance use, and/or behavioral challenges, and has experience receiving mental health services and/or navigating other child-serving systems
  • Fully bilingual in English and Spanish, both oral and written
  • Demonstrates qualities of leadership, including knowledge of advocacy, and can positively reflect on and share his/her experiences with others
  • Excellent judgement; attention to discretion and confidentiality
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Comfortable with computer technology and systems, including entering and tracking data and proficiency in Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Work flexible hours, as required
  • Bicultural candidates are encouraged to apply
  • Familiarity with social service agencies in the South Bronx is a plus
  • Candidates possessing exceptional skill but not all of the qualifications are also encouraged to apply

Physical demands:

  • This position is in-person at Masa’s office, and may require local travel to other settings at times (e.g. community and outreach events, etc.)
  • Light to moderate carrying of program materials is required
  • Work schedule may include occasional evenings and weekends.
  • COVID-19 vaccination is required.