Lead Youth Advocate - Our Stay

Department: Our Stay
Reports To: Program Administrator
Pay Range: $20.00-$23.00 per hour
Schedule: Evening, weekend, and overnight shifts are required.

About Family Assistance Program

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

Position Summary

Family Assistance Program is seeking a compassionate, dependable, and motivated Lead Youth Advocate to join our Our Stay program.

The Lead Youth Advocate plays an important role in supporting, mentoring, and advocating for the youth we serve while also providing guidance and support to Youth Advocates during assigned shifts. This position works directly with young people to promote safety, stability, personal growth, positive decision-making, and the development of independent living skills.

In addition to direct youth services, the Lead Youth Advocate assists with staff training and onboarding, helps ensure program procedures and documentation requirements are followed, and supports the Program Administrator with day-to-day program operations as needed.

The Lead Youth Advocate will assess individual needs, assist with individualized goals and action plans, provide crisis support, facilitate activities and workshops, connect youth with community resources, and complete required program documentation, including intake and discharge paperwork.

The ideal candidate is passionate about working with youth, demonstrates strong leadership and communication skills, is comfortable working in a fast-paced shelter environment, and can provide compassionate, client-centered services while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide guidance, support, and leadership to Youth Advocates during assigned shifts.
• Assist with the training and onboarding of new Youth Advocates and other program staff as needed.
• Help ensure staff follow program procedures, licensing requirements, and documentation standards.
• Support the Program Administrator with day-to-day program operations and communicate concerns, incidents, or program needs as appropriate.
• Mentor and supervise children and teenagers in accordance with applicable licensing requirements, including Title 22 guidelines.
• Assess the needs of youth and assist with developing individualized action plans.
• Provide support related to emotional, educational, social, and independent living needs.
• Complete required intake, discharge, case documentation, and program paperwork accurately and timely.
• Provide crisis intervention and utilize appropriate de-escalation techniques when needed.
• Promote positive behavior, healthy decision-making, self-esteem, and personal responsibility.
• Facilitate group activities, workshops, and educational opportunities for youth.
• Advocate for youth in educational, social service, and other appropriate settings.
• Coordinate with schools, community organizations, social service agencies, and other providers.
• Assist youth with accessing resources, including housing, healthcare, education, and employment services.
• Educate youth regarding available resources, services, and their rights.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with youth, families, caregivers, and community partners.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary team members to provide comprehensive support.
• Monitor youth progress and complete required reports and documentation.
• Participate in community outreach activities and events.
• Maintain confidentiality and follow all agency policies and procedures.
• Travel between agency offices, program sites, units, and other business locations during the workday.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

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

Experience

• 1-3 years of experience working with at-risk youth or other vulnerable populations preferred.
• Previous leadership, mentoring, training, or supervisory experience is preferred.
• Experience working with individuals impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, violent crime, homelessness, or other crisis situations is preferred.
• Experience with crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and de-escalation techniques is highly desirable.
• Strong networking, advocacy, and social service skills.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of adolescent development.
• Passion for working with and advocating for youth.
• Ability to provide leadership, guidance, and support to team members.
• Ability to model professionalism and promote compliance with program procedures and documentation requirements.
• Knowledge of community resources and social services.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to respond professionally and calmly during crisis situations.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Cultural competency and sensitivity when working with diverse populations.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams.
• Experience with HMIS and/or CAP 360 is preferred.
• Bilingual or multilingual abilities are preferred but not required.
• Commitment to providing client-centered, empowerment-based services.

Employment Requirements

Candidates must be able to:

• Successfully complete required background clearances.
• Be open and honest regarding any convictions as required during the background clearance process.
• Successfully complete CPR and First Aid certification.
• Complete required physical examination and TB testing.
• Complete required training, including applicable domestic violence training.
• Maintain a valid driver's license.
• Maintain reliable transportation, current automobile insurance, and valid vehicle registration.
• Maintain an acceptable driving record with no more than two points.
• Travel between agency offices, program locations, and other business locations during the workday.
• Maintain flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and overnight shifts as program needs require.

Physical Requirements

The employee must be able to sit and stand for extended periods; handle, grasp, and use equipment; reach with hands and arms; extend arms above the head and below the waist; bend or squat; walk and climb stairs; hear and communicate effectively in a moderately noisy environment; and use a phone or headset for extended periods.

The position may require lifting up to 50 pounds.

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

Work Environment

The Lead Youth Advocate works in a dynamic youth shelter and social service environment that requires regular interaction with youth, coworkers, families, community partners, and other service providers. The position includes a combination of direct youth supervision, team leadership, administrative responsibilities, documentation, crisis response, group activities, and community-based work.

The role requires flexibility, professionalism, emotional resilience, sound judgment, and the ability to respond appropriately to changing program, staff, and client needs. Travel between Family Assistance Program locations and other business or community locations may be required during the workday.

Join Family Assistance Program and help us empower youth to build safer, healthier, and more fulfilling futures.