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How to Become a Youth Peer Advocate in New York

November 4, 2026

If you are between 18 and 30 and have lived through emotional or behavioral challenges yourself, your experience can help a young person who is struggling now. In New York, that job is called Youth Peer Advocate (YPA).

Who can become a YPA

• You are 18 to 30 years old.
• You have first-hand experience with emotional (mental health) or behavioral challenges, and you identify as someone with that experience.

The New York State Youth Peer Advocate credential is administered by Youth Power, part of Families Together in New York State.

Step 1: The provisional credential

You can start working as a YPA with a provisional credential. It requires:

• The age and lived-experience requirements above
• Level One of the state-approved YPA training
• Two references

Step 2: The professional credential

Within 18 months of starting work as a YPA, you need the full professional credential:

• A high school diploma or equivalent (this can be waived)
• Level One and Level Two of the state training
• 600 documented hours of providing youth peer support

Keeping the credential

You renew the credential every two years. It expires automatically on your 31st birthday. After that, adults can keep doing peer work: see how to become a Certified Peer Specialist.

Working as a peer at FSS NY

FSS NY hires Peer Support Providers to mentor and support children, youth and adults, part-time or full-time. The job page lists the pay and requirements. Apply there or email staff@fssny.org. To see what the work looks like, read what youth peer support is.

Questions?

Call or text 516-400-3040. Email info@fssny.org about programs or staff@fssny.org about jobs.

More From Our Blog

• What Is Youth Peer Support? A Guide for New York Families
• How to Become a Certified Peer Specialist in New York
• How to Become a Respite Provider in New York City