Youth Advocate

Family Assistance Program
Department: Our Stay
Reports To: Shelter Manager/Program Administrator
Pay Range: $20.00 per hour
Schedule: Evenings, weekends, and overnight availability required

About Family Assistance Program

Family Assistance Program empowers individuals and families, regardless of age or gender, by providing the knowledge, resources, and skills necessary to lead healthy, safe, and fulfilling lives.

Position Overview

Family Assistance Program is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Youth Advocate to join our Our Stay team.

The Youth Advocate plays an important role in supporting, mentoring, and advocating for youth while promoting safety, stability, independence, and positive decision-making. This position works directly with young people to identify their individual needs and goals and connect them with appropriate support and resources.

The ideal candidate is passionate about working with youth, comfortable providing support during challenging situations, and able to maintain a professional, trauma-informed, and client-centered approach.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Mentor and support children and teenagers in accordance with applicable licensing requirements, including Title 22.
• Assess individual youth needs and assist with developing individualized action plans.
• Provide emotional, educational, and social support.
• Complete required intake, discharge, case documentation, and progress reporting.
• Provide crisis intervention and utilize appropriate de-escalation techniques when necessary.
• Facilitate activities and workshops promoting self-esteem, leadership, life skills, and community engagement.
• Promote positive behavior, healthy decision-making, and independent living skills.
• Advocate for youth and assist them in accessing educational, healthcare, housing, employment, and other community resources.
• Coordinate services with schools, community organizations, social service agencies, families, caregivers, and other professionals.
• Monitor and document youth progress.
• Educate youth regarding their rights and available resources.
• Participate in community outreach activities and events.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support.
• Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Travel between program locations, offices, units, and other business locations during the workday.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Social Science, Psychology, or a related field preferred.
• High school diploma/GED or associate degree accepted.

Experience & Skills:

• 1-3 years of experience working with at-risk youth or other vulnerable client populations preferred.
• Experience working with individuals impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, violent crime, incarceration, or crisis situations is highly desirable.
• Understanding of adolescent development and experience working with youth.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to provide client-centered and empowerment-based services.
• Knowledge of community resources and social services.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Cultural awareness and ability to work respectfully with diverse populations.
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office, Outlook/email, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams.
• HMIS and CAP 360 experience is a plus.
• Bilingual or multilingual abilities are preferred but not required.

Additional Requirements

• Must successfully complete CPR and First Aid training.
• Must meet applicable physical and TB testing requirements.
• Must successfully complete required background clearances.
• Must possess a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, current vehicle registration, and proof of automobile insurance.
• Must maintain an acceptable driving record with no more than two points.
• Must be willing and able to travel between program locations during the workday.
• Must have flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and overnight shifts as needed.

Physical Requirements

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting and standing, walking, climbing stairs, bending, squatting, reaching, and handling equipment. Employees may occasionally be required to lift up to 50 pounds and work in moderately noisy environments.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Join Our Team

If you are passionate about empowering young people, providing meaningful support during challenging circumstances, and helping youth develop the skills and confidence needed to move forward, we encourage you to apply.

Family Assistance Program is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for the individuals, families, and communities we serve.