Peer Youth Advocate

Description

Have you personally navigated the juvenile system or experienced probation?

Are you interested in using your past and story to work with youth who are currently involved in the Juvenile Justice system?

Do you want to be their voice of advocacy?

If this sounds like what you are passionate about, apply now! We want to get in touch with YOU!

At River Oak, equity, diversity, and inclusion are part of our people strategy which reflects our vision of building an organization that attracts and leverages diversity in our staff, and strives for respect and inclusion throughout our workplace and in the communities we serve.

Program Summary:

JJDTP is a Full Service Partnership for probation-connected youth and their families, designed to enable youth with a Serious Emotional Disturbance and current involvement in the juvenile justice system to remain in their homes, schools and communities by providing a comprehensive array of mental health services and supports. Youth are referred between the ages of 13 and 17 years and may participate up to age 26. Goals include stabilizing placements, reduce homelessness, support academic participation, increase vocational or employment opportunities, reduce psychiatric hospitalizations and detention or incarceration.

Job Responsibilities:

• Advocate for clients, parents, and family; attend meetings both within and outside the Agency with youth to provide support and inform the youth of their rights and options; explain the applicable systems obligations and empower youth to present their desires and needs in treatment

• Perform home and school visits to build relationships and trust with the youth, empower the youth and family to meet goals and objectives, explain assigned program activities, and review current outcomes and efforts; identify the strengths of the youth and support the youth in identifying focus areas

• Assist in the identification of clients and families natural resources, strengths, and needs; assist youth and team in locating and utilizing community, Agency, and other resources; make phone calls, network and research, assist families in determining logistics, scheduling appointments, arranging transportation, and providing other necessary support

• Meet established client service accountability goals; track productivity levels on a consistent basis; self manage to achieve established client service accountability goals and modify behaviors accordingly

• Attend a variety of meetings, trainings, and seminars, which may include staff and departmental meetings, clinical case meetings, county training sessions and Agency training programs; network with other service providers

• Work effectively and positively in a team environment; establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties

• Knowledge of pertinent laws, codes, regulations, and guidelines related to the operation and delivery of a variety of client services to individuals and families with particular emphasis on child welfare system, juvenile justice system, IDEA, special education, and child protection services applicable reporting laws and protocols

• Learn and understand Agency's organization, policies, operations and program services

• Learn and apply the terminology, billing system, philosophy and documentation requirements of the Agency and of referring sources.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be 21-28 years of age
• Must have successfully completed twelfth grade (or the equivalent of completing twelfth grade)
  • PLUS at least one (1) year of responsible work experience
  • PLUS have lived experience or received services from the juvenile justice system or probation systems
    • Please note: Work, professional, or volunteer experience does not qualify as personal, lived experience
• Must have strong communication, networking, and organizational skills
• Proficient with Outlook, Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Maintain a variety of online recordkeeping and documentation processes and systems, ensuring all relevant confidentiality and privacy requirements are met

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, vision
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Life insurance
• Short and long term disability insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)

**Culturally diverse and/or bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply**

Qualifications

• Medical, dental, vision
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Life insurance
• Short and long term disability insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)

**Culturally diverse and/or bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply**  

At River Oak, equity, diversity, and inclusion are part of our people strategy which reflects our vision of building an organization that attracts and leverages diversity in our staff, and strives for respect and inclusion throughout our workplace and in the communities we serve.

Salary : $24 - $26