What are the responsibilities and job description for the YOC Youth Advocate - PT position at YSS?
Job Details
We are YSS!
Are you looking to make a difference in the lives of young adults experiencing homelessness? Do you thrive in a dynamic, supportive environment? Join our team at the Youth Opportunity Center (YOC) as a Youth Advocate and help shape a brighter future for those in need!
About Us: The Youth Opportunity Center is dedicated to providing a safe, stable environment for young adults aged 16-24 who are experiencing homelessness, at risk of homelessness, or recently housed. We offer Emergency Bed, Drop-In, and Rapid Rehousing services to support their journey toward stability.
Role Overview: As a YOC Youth Advocate, you will play a crucial role in supervising, supporting, and establishing rapport with our participants. You'll ensure their basic needs are met while fostering an atmosphere of safety and mutual respect. This position involves direct interaction with youth, providing essential services, and assisting with case plans.
Key Responsibilities:
- Participant Support: Conduct intakes, orient new participants, and maintain waitlist documentation. Build a caring, supportive relationship with each youth while consistently enforcing program rules.
- Daily Operations: Oversee client activities, ensure safety, and assist with basic needs such as food, clothing, bedding, and personal care products. Maintain a clean, secure facility and check-in any potential weapons to ensure safety.
- Emergency Response: Alert on-call staff or Program Manager of major incidents or emergencies.
- Facility Maintenance: Clean vacated rooms, track inventory of supplies, and ensure the cleanliness and appearance of the facility.
- Documentation: Perform daily data entry, complete necessary logging, shift reports, and maintain open communication with Primary Health Care about program vacancies.
- Meetings and Training: Attend team and staff meetings, participate in in-service trainings, and monthly supervisory meetings with your supervisor.
- Weekend Shifts: Work at least one shift on the weekend.
- Rapid Rehousing Support: Assist Rapid Rehousing participants with accessing resources, moving into apartments, and performing monthly maintenance checks. Provide proactive follow-up home visits to ensure stability and progress towards self-sufficiency.
- Life Skills Education: Teach independent living skills, including setting up utilities, grocery shopping, cooking, and more.
- Transportation: Transport clients as necessary to meet their case plan goals.
- Community Engagement: Participate in the annual landlord appreciation event for the Rapid Rehousing program.
Why Join Us? Be part of a dedicated team making a real difference in the lives of young adults. Enjoy a supportive work environment, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to contribute to meaningful, impactful work.
What we offer:
- Fun team environment
- Mission-driven work
- Insurance coverage options
- Wellness program offerings
- Paid time off & leave programs
- Discounts on pet insurance
- Flexible shift and hours
- Training and development opportunities
Qualifications
What you will need:
- A High School diploma is required.
- Two years of experience in the human services field is required. Experience and skills may include First Aid and CPR certification, crisis intervention, child and adolescent development, individual or group counseling, motivational interviewing, trauma informed care and harm reduction. Knowledge of the needs of young people experiencing homelessness and an understanding of the intervention strategies available to address these needs is essential.
- A Bachelor’s degree in a human services field can substitute years of direct experience, preferred.
Direct experience working with at-risk youth population highly preferred. Experience working with individuals of diverse identities, including racial, ethnic, gender, sexual orientation and socio-economic status is preferred.
- valid Iowa Driver's license.
Salary : $18
