Youth Advocate

Job Type

Full-time

Description

POSITION SUMMARY :

This position is responsible for creating meaningful engagement and mentoring opportunities for the children and youth Women's Advocates serves, in our Emergency Shelter and in community. The Youth Advocate uses a trauma-informed approach to teach youth impacted by domestic violence about non-violence, healthy relationships, conflict resolution, while also connecting youth to culturally relevant, community-based services that promote healing.

To be accessible to youth, the schedule for this position during the school year is Mon-Fri from noon - 8pm. This schedule can be shifted earlier during summer vacation and is also subject to change as the needs of the program change. This position is full-time, on site. This position is budgeted at $24.00 / hour and is benefit eligible.

This position plays a central role in the roll-out of our new Lean on Me programming. The idea for Lean on Me developed from staff observation that older, male youth who come to our shelter with a parent often isolate in their rooms and feel detached from the overall shelter community. The Lean on Me program is a youth-centered approach that aims to bring those youth out of their rooms and engage them in healing focused activities in the community as a bridge to discussions about conflict management, healthy relationships, and two generation healing. As this program developed through conversations with funders, we have broadened our approach to include developing relationships with law enforcement, the courts, and other youth serving agencies to include community referrals into this program.

As the primary Youth Advocate, the Youth Advocate will work closely with the Youth Engagement Coordinator and the Director of Outreach and Youth Engagement to develop and implement strategies for this program. Through this community-based approach, the Youth Advocate will work with the Youth Engagement Coordinator will develop fun, friendly relationships with young people that will lay a foundation for further conversations about healthy relationships and conflict resolution.

• This is a new program that is currently in development and does not yet have completed policies and procedures. It is critical for the person in this position to be creative, flexible, and excited about change, as this will be in development for the next 12-18 months as the program is developed.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Collaborate with the Director of Outreach & Youth Engagement on developing and implementing strategies for youth outreach.

2. Work in partnership with Child and Family Advocates working adjacent to this programing.

3. Plan, set up and take a leading role in youth centered events and programming, and coordinate transportation for youth to attend as needed.

4. Connect youth to culturally responsive services in the community, as needed.

5. Work with families to develop safety plans while supporting development of youth's conflict management skills.

6. Build relationships with youth and their parents / caregivers throughout the duration of time using our services.

7. Maintain a positive, supportive working relationship with youth and their caregivers.

8. Provide resources while processing through the lens of Women's Advocates' core values and organizational policies.

9. Collaborate across advocacy departments in support of those we serve, including attending weekly meetings with a cross programs team.

10. Research, organize, and prioritize services to youth who have witnessed domestic violence, so that their needs can be met in a trauma-informed and equitable way.

11. Like every member of staff at Women's Advocates, this position is a mandated reporter, which requires annual training as well as potential contact with Child Protection Services as applicable.

12. Other duties as assigned.

DATA SYSTEMS AND FILE MAINTENANCE

1. Maintain all records and forms necessary for the effective functioning of the program.

2. Collect and maintain accurate information on all youth assisted by this position. Respects the confidentiality of participant data.

3. Utilizes client database to accurately record and track services provided to youth.

TRAINING & EDUCATION

1. Identifies and participates in training in a variety of topics including domestic abuse, child development, crisis intervention, data collection and management, DEI, and other trainings that will enhance professional development.

Requirements

1. MUST have a minimum of 2 years of experience working in direct service with youth.

2. Two to three years of experience working with children who have experienced trauma.

3. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including responding to internal emails within one business day, and external emails within 2 business days.

4. This role requires creativity and teamwork, knowledge of engaging with youth, and the admin skills to set up activities that will keep them engaged and coming back for more.

5. Good computer skills with demonstrated ability in Microsoft office products and database entry.

6. Ability to prioritize, handle a variety of tasks and be self-directed, while being responsive to changes as they come up.

7. Ability to handle client, administrative and personnel information with complete confidentiality.

8. Demonstrated experience with or commitment to intercultural development and anti-racism work in the workplace

9. Commitment to actively contributing to the organization being a safe space for members of the LGBTQ community.

10. Valid driver's license with current insurance and a reliable motor vehicle.

11. Ability to navigate a working environment with a lot of stairs.

12. Criminal background check through DHS is required for this position.

13. Second language preferred.

Salary : $24