Youth Mental Health Advocates

This program acknowledges rising rates of distress among young people and widening disparities. Youth who experience racism, violence or discrimination linked to an LGBTQ+ identity, homelessness, and economic insecurity are among those who experience more harm and have less access to care. Young people can play an important role in designing solutions to these challenges. This program will build on their experiences, skills, insights, and hopes.

Funding is available for a total of 25 advocates to work 15 hours/week between Sep 2023-Jun 2024 at the rate of $20/hour. HRA’s Work Progress Program (WPP) will reimburse youth service providers for wages paid to the youth mental health advocates.

The final curriculum for the Youth Mental Health Advocate program will be co-developed with participating CBOs and youth advocates. We seek to:

Advance youth-centered responses to rising rates of distress among young people

The Academy will provide training and ongoing coaching that equip youth advocates with skills to provide mental health support in 1:1 conversations, deliver group-based psychoeducation, and make referrals.

The Academy will also provide training and support to CBOs that host the youth advocates. This will include access to the Academy’s training in trauma-informed supervision, along with other supports to help CBOs successfully implement this program.

Support the personal and professional development of the youth advocates

Youth advocates will learn tools to care for their own mental health while developing valuable skills, gaining professional experience, and accessing college credits. Youth advocates will receive:

• Skills training and ongoing coaching from the Academy
• Supervision and support from the CBO they are employed at
• Access to CUNY SPS Youth Studies courses in positive youth development
• Specialized support to pursue a next step in their education or career, such as college admissions assistance, resume development, and interview preparation
• Up to 9 college credits

See the “Resources” section for a full program description and other program materials.

 

Organizations who would like to host youth advocates must meet the following criteria:

• A non-profit organization that already delivers services to youth and young people in NYC
• Willingness to accept at least three (3) youth advocates
• Commitment to key program activities, including:Register as WPP providers to receive reimbursement (July 2023). This includes:WPP provider application form
• Registering your organization in the PASSPort procurement system
• Hire and onboard youth advocates at your organization (September 2023)
• Provide youth advocates with administrative and clinical supervision
• Participate in training and support from the Academy, including a provider orientation; trauma-informed supervision training for supervisors; periodic check-ins to assess and improve the experience for CBOs and youth advocates; and other activities
• Work with the Academy to develop or strengthen a process for referring young people to clinical mental health care, where needed
• Report key data to WPP, including new hire data and monthly and quarterly program reports