Youth Advocate

POSITION SUMMARY: The Youth Advocate provides assessment and advocacy for youth of survivors of domestic violence presently in the residential program. This position coordinates individual and group activities for resident youth that will contribute to optimal emotional and social development. This individual acts as a liaison with adult Advocates and community resources, as needed.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

General

•    Follow the administrative guidelines and policies established by HVA.

•    Maintain a community image consistent with the HVA mission.

•    Engage in a relationship with The Haven of HVA Program Team, which is proactive, mutually beneficial, fosters teamwork, and advances the mission of HVA.

•    Exercise due care and stewardship of resources which are given to HVA including equipment, food, money, volunteer and staff time.

Advocacy and Case Management

•    Assess needs of youth and develop a service plan within 72 hours of the guest’s arrival into Safe House.

•    Provide comprehensive case management, which includes safety planning, advocacy, educating on healthy relationships and nonviolent behaviors, providing referrals, and support.

•    Plan, schedule, and conduct sessions for youth, using approved curriculum.   

•    Provide individualized interaction with the children, including understanding their reactions to domestic violence.

•    Instruct mothers in infant stimulation, parenting skills, childcare, and safe sleep.

•    Assist with adult case management, as needed.

•    Respond to phone during shift hours, respond to resident’s needs, and complete telephone assessments for shelter entry.

Program Support

•    Regularly update team members regarding status of youth receiving services.

•    Maintain record of daily activities of each youth, coordinating efforts with the parent’s Advocate, as needed.

•    Collect, organize, and enter data into appropriate formats for the WS database and other funders’ databases weekly.

•    Develop self-knowledge of issues domestic violence, laws, policies, and case histories.

•    Participate in training opportunities including: the mandatory 24 hour DCF Core Training and 6 shadowing hours to be registered for confidentiality and privilege; maintain 17 hours of domestic violence training per year.  

•    Attend staff meetings and local community meetings.

Other 

•    Maintain the youth room to ensure it is safe and clean, coordinating needed repairs with the supervisor.

•    Other duties, as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Job Standards 

Education: Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field preferred. A combination of education and experience may be considered. Core Competency certification is preferred.

Experience: 2 years of experience in domestic violence preferred. 3 years of experience working with youth in an education environment.

Technical or Administrative Knowledge: Knowledge of Microsoft Office Productivity Tools (MS Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).  

Critical Skills, Abilities, and Expertise

Physical Requirements: Use of arms, hands and fingers are constant.  Good eyesight (with corrective device) and good hearing (with corrective device) are essential.  Sitting, talking, walking, handling, use of depth perception and driving are frequent.  Light (up to 20 lbs.) lifting, stretching/reaching, grasping, and kneeling are occasional.

Equipment: Computer, facsimile, copy machine, telephone and other small office equipment.

Special Skills and Abilities: Ability to work independently. Ability to work with people in crisis and deescalate situations using verbal and nonverbal communication skills. Interacting with co-workers and vendors. Excellent public speaking skills and ability to provide training in formal and informal settings. Must possess a valid Florida Driver’s License and have reliable transportation. 

ENVIRONMENTAL JOB FACTORS:

Work Environment: Office environment and working with others frequently.  Working with office equipment is frequent. Exposed to various noise levels. Exposed at times to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme heat, risk of electrical shock and vibration.

NON-ESSENTIAL/SECONDARY FUNCTIONS:

Perform any additional duties as directed or assigned by supervisor, management staff, or VP of Abuse Services. This description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with the position