Children and Youth Program Advocate

Candidates contacted for interview will be required to complete official job description. Visit www.lacasainc.org to download application form.

OPEN: March 24, 2025

Applications received after closing will not be accepted.

Children and Youth Program (CYP) Advocate

Position Summary: Work with Children’s Program staff, Shelter Program staff and parents of children living in shelter to coordinate and enhance the day-to-day residential experiences of children. Children’s Program staff also coordinate individual and group activities for non-residential children and families.

Hours: As assigned, shift schedule, weekends and holidays are required. Will be scheduled to work from both the main office in Las Cruces and the South Valley office in Anthony, NM.

Reports to: CYP Coordinator

Supervisor: __Yes _X_ No

Condition of Employment: Full-Time, Grant Funded Contingent upon funding

Salary: $16.00 per hour.

Essential Duties:

Direct Client Services:

· Interact informally with children one-on-one and in groups on a daily basis.

· Plan and implement regular recreational activities for the children and their families.

· Coordinate events such as holiday parties, birthday parties, special guests or presenters, and field trips.

· Advocate on behalf of individual clients or families as necessary at the direction of Children’s Program Coordinator.

· Provide individual and group educational activities in such areas as health, nutrition, and life skills issues.

· Provide educational presentations on domestic violence issues to community organizations, schools, and groups.

· Complete intakes and assessments for children as assigned

· Provide case management services, including referral to and coordination with community programs

· Assist supervising volunteers engaged in activities with children

· Participate in regularly held community meetings on behalf of La Casa

· Ensures a safe and welcoming shelter environment by maintaining the physical space and using conflict resolution skills when necessary.

· Provide all services in an empathic manner, using the principles of trauma-informed care.

Outreach/Network:

· Assist in networking on behalf of the Children’s Program with other community agencies and businesses.

· Work closely with the Las Cruces Public School Homeless Program liaison and tutor to ensure that children’s educational needs are met while residing in the shelter.

· Serve as a liaison with the Dona Ana Arts Council and any other community program, including providing staff support to the artists during groups.

Administrative Duties:

· Completes all required documentation and paperwork in a timely and through manner, including billing, case notes, and critical incident reports.

· Maintains and accurate records of program participants using a variety of electronic tools.

Training:

· Attend staff meetings and in-service trainings, as scheduled.

· Ongoing professional development including keeping abreast of recent trends and developments regarding domestic violence and advocacy as they pertain to the clients accessing La Casa, Inc. services.

· Attend seminars and trainings approved by supervisor.

Additional Duties:

· Other duties as assigned.

Expectations:

· Aptitude for working with people and supporting those experiencing crises; strong problem-solving abilities; ability to support others without judgment.

• Maintain strict confidentiality per agency policy, and federal requirements.
• Demonstrate positive role-model leadership and work cooperatively with others.
• Model respect, understanding and appreciation for all people.
• Exhibit skills in comprehending, interpreting and supporting the organization.
• Ability to succeed in and contribute to a team environment.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize and work under pressure without losing sight of objectives.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others.
• Ability to work independently.

Qualifications:

· Education: Bachelor’s Degree in social science, education or helping profession’s field emphasizing children and families.

· Experience: Demonstrated experience (can be volunteer or paid) working with children.

· Substitution of education/experience: Is allowed on a one for one year basis.

· Language: Bilingual in Spanish/English is highly desirable.

· Other: Post-offer drug/alcohol screen, TB test and background check, driver’s license record

· Warm, empathic, and non-judgmental with demonstrated ability to maintain healthy boundaries with clients and staff.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $16.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person

Salary : $16