Advocate - Youth & Family

Description

Job Title: Advocate - Youth & Family

Department: Youth Advocacy  

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Hours/Weeks: Full Year, Full Time

Hiring Range: $19.50 - $22.29

NEKCA Mission Statement:

To empower all generations in the Northeast Kingdom to grow, prosper, and thrive.

SUMMARY:

Advocates at NEKCA build strong relationships with our community and participants to set goals and see positive outcomes for families and individuals. Advocates utilize a strengths-based approach to support individual and household well-being while collaborating with agency and community partners to support service delivery in a human-centered way.

This position is an Advocate for the Family Stabilization (COMPASS) Program in the Youth Advocacy Department to provide prevention and stabilization services for youth and their families.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Perform intake per requirements of NEKCA/grantor. Determine and verify eligibility for all applicants in accordance with program guidelines

• Collect and report all data accurately and timely into GoEngage to meet program deadlines

• Assess participants in crisis to determine immediate needs and develop a plan for response, including referrals (interagency and external)

• Work collaboratively with community partners to address the needs of low-income households

• Understand and follow all program guidance and policies

• Attend and participate in staff, agency, and community meetings deemed necessary for job performance.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop trusting connections with youth and family

• Assist youth and family with support toward developing and maintaining a stable living environment.

• Build up networks of natural supports

• Assessment of needs and referrals for other relevant services and supports

• Respond to emergency and crisis calls from law enforcement, youth, and family when on call (evening/weekend hours).

• Collaborate with the Department of Children and Families and other service providers monthly to review and discuss cases

• Write a plan of care for each participant and keep accurate service notes.

• Using trauma-informed skills and restorative practices, staff engage youth in life skills and relationship-building activities that may include the following: conflict resolution; social skills development; problem-solving and decision making; community service/leadership skills, and other integrative activities, as well as case-specific subjects pertaining to individual participant needs.

• Work with a team in supporting youth with accessing critical appointments and other essential needs.

• Collaborate with the team in making supportive decisions and planning for youth and families.

• May be asked to support and staff Youth Center activities and events, which may include evenings, weekends, or holidays.

Core Competencies:

• Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Must be able to maintain good relations with participants, other staff, and members of the community. 

• Must have knowledge of basic computer skills and record keeping, including spreadsheet applications. 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products and database management systems.

• This position is considered a mandated reporter. 

• Must be responsible, self-motivated, self-initiated, may need to work fleixble hours (program dependent) 

• Demonstrate positive problem-solving skills in stressful situations. 

• Demonstrate the ability to work effectively as part of a team.

• Demonstrate familiarity with, and sensitivity to the challenges faced by low-income individuals, and some knowledge of the community and available resources to address them.

• Maintain confidentiality.

• Complete all required trainings and professional development.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Employees in this position work primarily in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions. The work involves sitting for extended periods of time, using a computer and other office equipment and may require occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds. Position has occasionally bending, stooping, or reaching for items. Standing or moving around the office area.

Travel: Home visits involve travel to participants' homes. This can vary from local travel to covering a larger geographic area, depending on the nature of the job. 

Participant Diversity: Professionals conducting home visits often work with a diverse range of participants, each with unique needs, backgrounds, and living conditions.

Safety Considerations: Safety is a crucial aspect of home visits. Professionals need to be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to ensure their safety, especially if they are visiting unfamiliar or potentially risky environments.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions of their job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

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NEKCA is a proud equal opportunity employer.  Our equal employment opportunities apply to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. 

Qualifications for positions within NEKCA are determined by the duties and responsibilities of the position itself.

Requirements

Education and Experience:

BA (preferred)

1-2 years of relevant experience preferred

Background Checks:

Employees in this role are required to undergo a background check in accordance with NEKCA policy, which may include verifying education, employment history, criminal background, and driving records.

Transportation Requirements:

This position requires that employees possess a valid driver's license, favorable driving record results, and have access to dependable transportation. 

This position may require the transportation of participants.

Salary : $20 - $22