Youth Advocate

SAFE Position Description

Title: Youth Advocate (YA)

Supervisor: Youth Program Coordinator

Funding: Position Contingent upon funding

Hours: 9-5pm M-F (some evening/Weekend work will be required)

Grant: VSGP 2080 hours yearly/ 100%

General Statement of Responsibilities:

The Youth Advocate (YA) will be responsible for planning, implementing, operating and evaluating the youth program for Services to Abused Families, Inc. (SAFE). The YA works closely with allied professionals, the Youth Program Coordinator, and other SAFE staff to ensure that all child survivors of violence are provided direct client support and services. In carrying our assigned position responsibilities, s/he is required to perform duties displaying sound judgment, demonstrating initiative, and maintaining a high degree of confidentiality. The YA is required to complete a 40-hour agency educational program which includes domestic violence and sexual violence training. In addition, continuing educational training of a minimum of 40 hours per year is required.

Major Duties:

• Meet or exceed all goals as documented in assigned grant(s) work plan(s).
• Maintain all statistical data collection and reporting related to the Youth Program.
• Maintain case record system(s) to identify services provided to all children in program.
• Utilize assessment and in-take protocols in conjunction with the screening of potential victims of child abuse and neglect during shelter admissions process.
• Maintain, review, improve protocols for children entering shelter program to ensure the transition into communal living.
• Addresses the concerns, safety, and anxiety of children during their shelter stay.
• Review with parents the medical, educational, daycare and mental health needs of their children and provide appropriate services and/or referrals for children as needed/requested.
• Accompany children and parents as required to meetings, court, and medical appointments in relation to their abuse, neglect, and/or domestic violence experience.
• Provide recreational, educational and therapeutic services for sheltered and non-sheltered children in program.
• Assist parents with school registration/enrollment of children when appropriate.
• Provide individual and group counseling for child survivors of abuse and/or neglect which includes the development and implementation of age appropriate topics/curriculum.
• Provide children and parents the opportunity to meet and discuss needs, goals, challenges, and outcomes as needed.
• Network with other service providers and establish referral protocols within the community to foster a responsive continuum of care to child victims of abuse, neglect, and domestic violence.
• Maintain strong working relationships with all criminal justice and legal personal including Sheriff’s Offices, Police Departments, Legal Aid Society, Commonwealth Attorney’s Offices, Victim Witness, Hospital, Magistrate, and public schools as well as other community agencies in the five-county service area.
• In conjunction with Community Outreach Coordinator:
• Coordinate volunteer services related to the children’s program.
• Develop, maintain, and provide a list of resources to meet the needs of children
• Assist YPC with community activities focused on children as part of national awareness month campaigns.
• Assist YPC with community education and awareness presentations designed to identify and assist at risk children.
• Solicit donations, vendor participation, and support for all children activities and events.
• Attend all staff training's, meetings, and events as required.
• Assist YPC with weekly support groups (as needed)

18. Follow all agency and shelter policies and procedures.

19. Ensure children’s areas are always clean and usable for children’s activities and events.

20. Perform all other duties as assigned by the Youth Program Coordinator

The Youth Program Coordinator and Director of Shelter and Support Services shall review the performance of the YA at least one time per grant cycle.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology or related field preferred but not required.
• Two years of experience working with women and/or children preferred
• Working knowledge of the issues that face child survivors of domestic and sexual violence
• Experience or knowledge of case management process
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse population of children, teenagers, and adults
• Effective oral, written and interpersonal communication skills
• Proficient with MS Office, e-mail, Internet, texting, social media, and general office technology
• Ability to maintain accurate and confidential records and documentation
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Exercise sound judgment
• Able to lift and carry up to 40 pounds.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• On call
• Weekends as needed

Application Question(s):

• This position works with children so a background check is mandatory. Can you pass a background check?

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Language:

• Spanish (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20