Youth Advocate - Part-Time

Family Assistance Program
Department: Our House
Reports To: Shelter Program Manager
Schedule: Part-Time; evenings and weekends required
Good Faith Base Starting Rate: $20.00 per hour

Position Overview

Family Assistance Program is seeking a compassionate and dependable Part-Time Youth Shelter Advocate to join our Our House team.

The Youth Shelter Advocate provides direct support, supervision, mentoring, crisis intervention, and advocacy to youth in a shelter setting. This position plays an important role in maintaining a safe, supportive, and structured environment while helping youth access resources and work toward stability and personal goals.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Identify and assess the individual needs of youth.
• Provide appropriate crisis intervention, emergency hotline counseling, and suicide prevention support.
• Mentor and support children and teenagers in accordance with applicable licensing requirements, including Title 22.
• Serve as a positive and professional role model and mentor to youth.
• Provide individual and group support sessions as appropriate.
• Maintain a safe, supportive, and structured environment for youth.
• Follow established policies and procedures to protect client safety and confidentiality.
• Assist with intake, discharge, and client documentation processes.
• Maintain accurate and timely client records in Apricot, CAP360, HMIS, or other required systems.
• Assist youth with accessing appropriate community resources and supportive services.
• Assist with establishing contact with parents or guardians when appropriate.
• Act as a liaison between youth, families, and community or social service providers.
• Conduct assessments and provide crisis intervention as needed.
• Answer incoming calls, make outgoing calls, document messages, and follow up on referrals.
• Participate in required orientation, training, meetings, and certifications.
• Utilize appropriate de-escalation techniques when responding to challenging situations.
• Work collaboratively with coworkers, volunteers, and program leadership.
• Travel between program locations or other community locations as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Competencies

• Crisis intervention and de-escalation
• Youth mentoring and advocacy
• Knowledge of community resources
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Accurate and timely documentation
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Microsoft Office, Outlook, Teams, and Zoom
• Experience with HMIS, Apricot, CAP360, or similar client management systems preferred
• CPR and First Aid certification or ability to complete required training

Qualifications

Education & Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required.
• Relevant experience working with youth, high-risk populations, behavioral health, social services, community outreach, or a related field preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Mental Health, Social Services, Human Services, or a related field preferred.
• Experience with crisis intervention and coordinating supportive services preferred.
• Ability to establish rapport and maintain professional relationships with at-risk and transitional-age youth.

Additional Requirements:

• Must be available to work evenings and weekends.
• Bilingual skills preferred.
• Strong computer and data-entry skills.
• Must successfully complete required background clearance/Live Scan.
• Must meet applicable health screening and TB requirements.
• Valid California driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Proof of current automobile insurance and vehicle registration.
• Must maintain an acceptable driving record in accordance with agency requirements.

Physical Requirements

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting and standing; walking and climbing stairs; bending, reaching, and squatting; and handling or grasping objects and equipment. The position may also require lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds and using a telephone, computer, or headset for extended periods.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Employees and applicants who require an accommodation may contact Human Resources.

Work Environment

Most duties are performed indoors in a youth shelter or office environment. Travel between program locations and community sites may be required. The position may involve exposure to moderate noise and other conditions typically associated with a residential shelter and office environment.