Youth Development Advocate

Job Description

Job Description

Youth Development Advocate (After School Care Advocate) – The Shelter for Abused Women & Children

Location: Onsite @ Naples Shelter location 

Reports to: Residential Child & Youth Services Supervisor Employment Type: Fulltime, Non-exempt

Salary: Hourly

 

The Impact of This Position:

This role leads The Shelter’s After School Program for children of survivors of domestic violence residing in the onsite Emergency Shelter. This role fosters student growth by providing mentorship, resource connections, and individualized support. By ensuring a safe, engaging environment and collaborating with families and community partners, it drives meaningful outcomes and equips students for success.

 

Preferred Experience & Qualifications:

• Associate’s or BA/BS degree in an applicable field, preferred but not required.
• Demonstrated success in delivering youth programming with children ages K-12.
• Experience providing childcare to school-aged children, leading youth recreation & youth camp programs, as a teacher’s assistant and/or equivalent experience
• Experience working with children who have experienced trauma, neurodivergent children, children with disabilities or other support needs, and/or individuals from marginalized communities or English language learner (ELL) programs.
• Experience with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a plus.
• Completion of first aid and CPR class.
  
• Must pass state & federal background checks, provide satisfactory references, and drug screening.
  
• Valid FL Driver’s License.
  

What You’ll Do:

• Assist with curriculum activities and housekeeping as needed.
  
• Collaborate with supervisor to organize field trips and learning-based events with community partners.
• Collect and maintain participant data for quarterly reporting on a timely basis.
• Develop and maintain a safe, enjoyable After School Program focused on character development and academic achievement.
• Develop program goals, objectives, lesson plans, and calendars.
• Enforce DCF Compliant safety regulations and manage participant behavior.
• Facilitate developmentally stimulating experiences and create a positive, youth-centered environment.
• Lead and participate in physical activities and games with emphasis on incorporating the outdoors as weather permits.
• Meet with parents to discuss youth’s progress in After School Program.
• Offer individual advocacy and counseling, including crisis intervention and safety planning to youth and/or parents, as needed.
• Provide needs-based referrals for outside services to participants and families.
• Supervise children to ensure safety and well-being.

 

Who You Are:

• Able to prioritize effectively and work within tight timelines.
  
• Caring, compassionate, and kind.
  
• Comfortable learning new systems, software, and processes.
  
• Committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
  
• Composed and self-aware when facing challenges.
  
• Critical thinker and objective decision-maker.
  
• Curious, gritty, and passionate about The Shelter’s mission.
  
• Detail-oriented and accurate in work.
  
• Professional proficiency in English; bilingual in Spanish or Creole preferred.
  
• Willing to take extreme ownership of responsibilities and contributions.
  

 

What We Value:

• A culture of philanthropy.
  
• Adaptability to new systems and processes.
  
• Attention to detail and accuracy in work.
  
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  
• Human connection and personal growth.
  
• Kindness, compassion, and open-mindedness.
  
• Passion for our mission and eagerness to learn.
  
• Professionalism and leadership by example.
  
• Resilience and extreme ownership in facing challenges.
  

 

The Shelter’s Spectacular Benefits Package

The Shelter offers a spectacular benefits package for all full-time staff, including a 36-hour work week, staff appreciation events, and generous paid time off for vacation, holidays, and sick days. We cover 100% of medical and mental health benefits, offer affordable dental and vision plans, an employer match 401K program, and more. We also encourage a happy, healthy, and whole work environment by empowering staff to maintain their wellness through fitness incentives.

 

Work Environment and Non-Discrimination Disclosure Statement

You must be able lift up to 20lbs and bend. The role may require sitting or standing for several hours at a time. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The Shelter for Abused Women & Children complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and support to the Deaf or Hard-of­-Hearing in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The Shelter is an equal opportunity employer. We adhere to a policy of making employment decisions without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or marital status. We assure you that your opportunity for employment with us depends solely upon your knowledge, skills, and abilities.

 

Join Us  Make a difference in the lives of survivors and help build a stronger, more resilient community. Apply online!

Visit naplesshelter.org or contact  View email address on us.fitly.work for more information.