Overnight Youth Advocate

Position:  Youth Advocate

Purpose:   To promote safety, stability, and well-being for Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY).  Youth Advocates engage youth using the Positive Youth Development model to build a path to long-term success through positive relationships and skills for self-sufficiency.

Qualifications:  Some combination of relevant college courses and work experience in human services and/or with vulnerable youth populations.  Youth Advocates must understand the issues of youth homelessness, sexual identity/preference (LGBTQ), substance abuse, mental health and trauma, abuse, and adolescent development.  They must desire to participate in the coordination of services and program development in an interdisciplinary team setting; have the ability to integrate and reconnect youth with natural supports and community resources; and know how to maintain a safe environment −  physically and emotionally − for all youth. 

To join Jackson Street’s staff, applicants must pass a criminal background history check; have a driver’s license and a driving record sufficient to qualify as approved driver; be available to work flexible shifts at Jackson Street’s shelters in Albany and Corvallis, including nights and weekends; be willing/able to work across a three county region (Linn-Benton-Lincoln) as needed; and have or obtain First Aid/CPR and Oregon Food Handlers certifications.

Applicants must make a good-faith commitment to stay in the position for at least one year, and must be willing to embrace Jackson Street’s mission and values.  Bi-lingual/Bi-cultural applicants are preferred.

Responsibilities:

General

• Ensure that youth, volunteers, interns, and visitors adhere to Jackson Street’s rules and procedures.
• Practice an understanding and respect for youth culture, families, and family systems.  Use respectful language and listen in a non-judgmental ways.
• Implement the core competencies of Positive Youth Development (belonging, competence, usefulness, and inclusion) in interactions with youth.
• Use harm-reduction and youth-empowerment models to provide on-going support, skill building, and crisis management.
• Motivate and engage youth in creative and encouraging ways, individually and in groups.
• Remain available and supportive to cover shelter shifts, including substituting for other staff on occasion.

Direct Care

• Be part of a team providing effective 24/7 supervision for youth in care.
• Implement the normal structures and routines at Jackson Street’s Emergency and Transitional houses.
• Together with youth and other staff, implement and participate in house meals and activities.
• Assist with advocacy, case coordination, and the process of setting and achieving goals for each youth in Jackson Street’s care.
• Teach (including teaching by positive example) and provide opportunities for youth to build skills and succeed in school.
• Provide crisis intervention and youth and family mediation, as needed.
• At night, conduct regular bed checks.

Administrative

• Abide by state licensing and federal funding requirements.
• Once initial training is completed, demonstrate a thorough understanding of agency policies and procedures. 
• Conduct intake and exit procedures in an accurate and professional manner.
• Maintain youth files and shelter logs in a complete and timely manner. 
• Conduct call logs, Answer crisis-line calls appropriately, conduct crisis intervention as needed, and document calls.
• Answer other phone calls, be able to answer general questions and direct calls to other staff; take and respond to messages appropriately.
• Maintain a safe, welcoming shelter appearance and complete daily chores.
• Attend required meetings and training.

VISIT https://www.jacksonstreet.org/get-involved/employment/ for full job description and Application.