Lead Youth Advocate (STRTP/Group Home)

JOB TITLE: Lead Youth Advocate

DEPARTMENT: SB CFS TSCF

REPORTS TO: Program Manager

SALARY RANGE: $26.00 - $30.00

The Family Assistance Program empowers all individuals and families, regardless of age or gender, by providing the knowledge and skills necessary to lead healthy, safe, and fulfilling lives.

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION

The Lead Youth Advocate provides one-on-one support and mentorship to young individuals, helping them navigate personal, educational, and social challenges. They develop and implement individualized plans that address each youth’s specific needs and goals, including academic support, career guidance, and the development of life skills. They also facilitate group workshops and activities that promote self-esteem, leadership, and community engagement among young people. Duties include but are not limited to completing intake and discharge paperwork.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Identify the needs of the youth
• Must be able and willing to provide emergency hotline counseling and suicide prevention support
• Organizing one-on-one and group counseling sessions
• Mentoring children and teenagers under licensing guidelines (Title 22)
• Served as a role model and mentor to youth clientele in a professional manner
• Ensure policies are followed to protect clients’ safety at all times.
• Visiting clients at school or residential homes
• Providing assessment and crisis intervention
• Provide emergency hotline counseling and suicide prevention support
• Maintain confidentiality regarding client and staff files and locations.
• Answer incoming calls, make outgoing calls, take notes on messages, and follow up on referrals.
• Assist with establishing contact with parents or guardians of youth.
• Act as a liaison between youth, their families, and various social services, ensuring that young individuals receive the comprehensive support they need.
• Work effectively and independently as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Supervise clients/volunteers in a positive, caring manner to make sure staff work together as a cohesive group

· Travel between offices, units, and business locations during the workday.

KEY COMPETENCIES

CPR Certification

HMIS

Outlook/Email

Zoom/TEAMS

MS Office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint

Experience with Children

40-hour domestic violence training

CAP 360

Crisis Intervention & De-escalation Techniques

Conflict Management

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The employee must be able to sit and stand for long periods, Handle, grasp, and feel objects and equipment, lift up to 50 pounds, reach with hands and arms, extend both arms above the head and/or go below the waist, bend or squat, walk and climb stairs and ladders, hear in a moderately noisy environment, and use a phone or headset for extended periods.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. If accommodation(s) are required, the employee must inform Human Resources by the first week. If accommodation is not needed at the time of employment but becomes necessary later, you must notify Human Resources when it is needed.

Work Conditions: Housing Navigators often find themselves in a dynamic work environment that blends office settings with fieldwork. Their workspace is typically equipped with standard office tools and technology, including computers and specialized software to manage client cases and housing databases. The nature of their role necessitates a high level of mobility, as they frequently travel to meet clients, inspect housing options, and liaise with landlords and housing agencies. Work hours can vary, sometimes extending beyond the typical nine-to-five to accommodate client needs or housing deadlines. This role demands a professional yet approachable dress code, balancing office norms with the need to be relatable to diverse client populations. The social environment is collaborative, with interactions not just limited to clients but also involving teamwork with other professionals in social services, legal, and housing sectors. Emotional resilience is crucial, as the job involves navigating challenging situations to secure housing solutions. Despite these demands, organizations often support a healthy work-life balance, recognizing the importance of well-being in sustaining high-quality service delivery.

MINOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Must have a genuine respect for and interest in youth and their families.
• Ability to put into practice all aspects of Positive Youth Development (training will be provided) and demonstrate respect for clients’ rights and safety.
• Former Foster Youth is a plus, but must be at least 21 years old.
• Must attend orientation
• Ability to complete the required training and incorporate the techniques taught
• Must be able to pass CPR and First Aid Training
• Pass a physical and a TB Test.
• Pass a background check and be open and honest about any convictions
• Excellent computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and a vehicle with valid registration and insurance, a good driving record, and be willing to travel between offices and units during the workday.

· Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE JOB

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Social Science, Human Services, or Women's Studies preferred.

A high school diploma, its equivalent (GED), or an associate's degree in arts is accepted.

Experience:

1-3 years experience working with at-risk clients and previously incarcerated populations.

Excellent Networking and Social Service skills.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Experience working with clients facing issues with domestic violence, sexual assault, and other violent crimes.

Experience working with those in crisis.

Commitment to providing client-centered, empowerment-based services to victims of crime.

Other:

Bilingual preferred but not required.

Some evening, weekend, and overnight work will be involved

Valid Driver’s License, reliable transportation, and proof of insurance.

Able to pass a background check.

Proof of Auto Insurance and Valid Registration

Have a good driving record (no more than 2 points).

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $27.00 - $30.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Morning shift
• Night shift
• Overnight shift
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $26 - $30