What are the responsibilities and job description for the Youth Advocate position at SPANISH SPEAKING UNITY COUNCIL?
Title:Youth Advocate
Reports To:LMA Manager
Department:Community Programs – Latinx Mentoring & Achievement
Location:Oakland, CA – OUSD School Sites
Schedule:Monday through Friday, year-round
Travel:Local travel required
Salary:$32-$35 per hour DOE
Employee Status:Regular, Full-time, Non-Exempt
Union:N/A
Supervises: N/A
Benefits:
Two weeks of paid vacation a year, sick time, 14 holidays, up to five floating holidays based on employee status, medical and dental benefits on the first of the month following 30 days of employment, life insurance policy at no cost to employee (with the option of increasing policy amount), flexible spending account for medical and dependent care costs, commuter benefits, 403(b) with employer match, and other benefits. We foster a joyful workplace and offer opportunities for professional development and growth.
Agency Summary
The Unity Council is a non-profit Social Equity Development Corporation with a 60-year history in the Fruitvale neighborhood of Oakland. Our mission is to promote social equity and improve quality of life by building vibrant communities where everyone can work, learn, and thrive.
Our programs aim to provide the community with the tools, knowledge, and resources to transform their lives and ultimately achieve their long-term educational, career, and financial goals. These holistic programs and services reach more than 11,000 individuals and families annually in five languages. Programs include: early childhood education, youth mentorship and leadership development, employment services, career readiness training, housing and financial stability, senior citizen services, affordable housing and neighborhood development, and arts and cultural events. Our work expands beyond the Fruitvale district and now reaches across Oakland and into Contra Costa County. The Unity Council employs a diverse workforce of more than 300 people who reflect the linguistic, cultural, and ethnic identity of the communities we serve.
Program Summary
The Latinx Mentoring & Achievement (LMA) Program plays a vital role in addressing the academic, socio-emotional, and behavioral challenges facing female and non-binary Latinx youth in Oakland. Serving youth ages 14 to 19, LMA empowers participants to achieve both academic and personal success by providing support in high school transitions, graduation readiness, social-emotional wellness, and relationship-building. The program connects youth and their families to comprehensive, culturally relevant services, including leadership and identity development, peer counseling, and community support. Core program values include Collective and Transformative Leadership, critical consciousness, transformative agency, holistic well-being, intersectional perspectives, and cultural and identity exploration.
Position Summary
The Youth Advocate empowers youth through case management, psycho-social assessments, and culturally-rooted, strength-based interventions. By building trust and providing mentorship, the Youth Advocate supports students’ academic, personal, and wellness goals, while also connecting families to resources for a stable home environment. This role requires a compassionate, proactive individual skilled in motivating youth, advocating for holistic solutions, and fostering resilience in trauma-impacted young people.
Responsibilities
Case Management & Student Support
- Provide 1:1 case management services, including wellness checks, mentorship, and crisis interventions, to address students' personal, academic, and health and wellness needs.
- Conduct ongoing assessments of student well-being, identifying needs, developing individualized plans, and connecting students to appropriate resources (e.g., tutoring, social activities, health & wellness services).
- Monitor students' progress, fostering self-efficacy, resilience, and overall well-being.
- Support students through culturally rooted practices that build trust, promote healing, and strengthen resilience as protective factors for trauma-impacted youth.
- Effectively manage and resolve crisis situations, ensuring student safety and well-being through proactive intervention and support.
- Implement trauma-informed, healing-centered, and restorative justice practices to support student well-being and foster a safe, inclusive environment.
Program Facilitation & Community Building
- Facilitate restorative justice circles and Holistic Empowerment Education sessions for staff.
- Promote a culture of wellness by engaging students in mindfulness, self-care, and leadership activities during the school year and summer Youth Leadership Initiative programs.
- Organize and attend community-building gatherings and college/career/civic engagement field trips to foster student development and connection.
Collaboration & Advocacy
- Collaborate with the LMA team, families, school staff, and service providers to create and implement strategies that ensure student success and holistic, family-centered solutions.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with referral partners and community organizations to expand resources for youth.
- Partner with school administration, teachers, and parents/guardians to advocate for students' academic and personal development.
Administrative Duties
- Administer student intake and evaluations; maintain records and files, and document interventions in the student database and Salesforce.
- Provide coverage sites as directed by the LMA Manager based on program needs and schedules.
- Act as a consistent resource for team members by providing guidance and support in trauma-informed, healing-centered, and restorative justice practices.
- Actively participate in weekly supervision, team and department-wide meetings.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bilingual in Spanish and English required.
- Minimum of three years of experience in case management, counseling, youth advocacy, violence prevention, or related supportive services.
- Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, education, behavioral sciences or related field.
- Experience delivering crisis intervention services and implementing trauma-informed and restorative justice practices is strongly preferred.
- In-depth understanding of mental health issues, intervention strategies, and wellness practices
- Multicultural competency in working with immigrant, newcomer, low income and diverse youth facing multiple barriers to success.
- Ability to travel to OUSD school sites as required (Mileage Reimbursement Provided).
- Passion for working with youth, particularly young girls, nonbinary, and LGBTQIA youth.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with youth, families, school administration, and service providers
- A strong alignment with The Unity Council’s mission and values, as well as those of the LMA program.
Essential Functions
- Regularly required to perform basic computer skills with strong MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and social media skills.
- Regularly required to operate standard office equipment (personal computer, photocopier, fax, etc.)
- Regularly required to interact with a diverse group of stakeholders and district personnel.
Pre-employment Requirements
- Fingerprints
- Physical
- TB Test
This description is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities or requirements for the position. This position may change or assume additional duties at any time.
Please email your cover letter and resume to jobs@unitycouncil.org. Use "Title of Position" in the subject line.
The Unity Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Women, underrepresented communities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Salary : $32 - $35
