Youth Advocate

Job Description

Job Description

First Place For Youth-Join Our Team Video!

Are you dedicated to empowering and supporting youth, regardless of their background? We're searching for passionate individuals to make a positive impact on the lives of foster youth. Become an integral part of their transformative journey and join the First Place for Youth team. 

About First Place for Youth, we’re a leading non-profit organization dedicated to supporting foster youth in their transition to adulthood, with a focus on education, employment, and housing. We believe that all young people deserve the opportunity to thrive and lead successful, independent lives. Our comprehensive programs empower foster youth to overcome the unique challenges they face and build the skills, confidence, and connections they need to succeed.

  Why Work at First Place for Youth :

• Meaningful Impact :  Help to transform the lives of foster youth on the cusp of adulthood. Your role will support them in their journey to conquer challenges, achieve independence, and fulfill their aspirations.
• Innovative Approach:  We thrive on innovation, pushing the boundaries of foster care support. Your voice here matters, and you’ll contribute to programs that redefine the futures of these young lives.
• Collaborative and Supportive Environment: Embrace a dynamic and supportive workplace, where every team member is valued. Together, we're a force dedicated to uplifting youth. Expect professional growth, fueled by teamwork and collaboration.
• Comprehensive Benefits: We value the well-being of our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package. From health and wellness benefits to retirement plans, we ensure that our team members are taken care of so they can focus on their important work supporting foster youth.
• Culture of Diversity and Inclusion: We celebrate diversity in every form. At First Place for Youth, inclusivity reigns, creating a workplace where all voices are heard, respected, and empowered.

POSITION OVERVIEW:  The Youth Advocate is responsible for case management, psycho-social assessment, development and implementation of intervention strategies. The Youth Advocate provides clinical leadership to a multi-disciplinary team and provide coaching to support each youth to achieve goals of housing stability, sustainable and sustaining employment, and educational achievement. The Youth Advocate is active in developing, supporting and implementing an individualized, strength ‘based, culturally competent, youth-centered approach. A Successful Youth Advocate understands how to motivate, influence, and mentor young adults to achieve goals while launching adult lives from foster care. This position is a combination of onsite and community-based work Monday through Friday.

DUTIES + RESPONSIBILITIES 

Provide youth with individual counseling, crisis intervention, referrals, advocacy and life skills training. (70%)

Direct Care and Interventions:

• In-residence visits are mandatory as outlined in the program guidelines.
• Develops partnership strategy with each youth
• Gathers and analyzes on-going information to ensure youth safety, well-being and progress
• Provides clinical leadership to multi-disciplinary teams consisting of youth, family and other natural supporters, county case managers, Employment and Education Specialists, Housing Specialists, and Intake Specialists to ensure seamless and effective service delivery
• Organizes, schedules, and facilitates youth and team meetings
• Provides on-going assessment of youth well-being and develops plans to ensure safety and Deescalate crisis as needed
• Provides direct support, coaching, mentoring and intervention to increase youth self-sufficiency and goal attainment.
• Participates on a rotating basis to provide on-call coverage
• Provides crisis counseling as needed. Case Management/Coordination:
• Collaborates with community providers including county workers, courts, professionals, vocational and independent living skills programs, schools, family members and significant others
• Keeps key team members informed and Works with team members to identify and engage appropriate natural supporters. Documentation/Administrative Duties (30%)
• Completes documentation including but not limited to Care and Services plans, needs assessments, and progress notes.
• Ensures all needed paperwork and consents are completed for each client at time of entry.
• Participates in agency committee as assigned.
• Provides on-going orientation and training to staff as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum 1-2 years of experience working in a child welfare social service setting or with transition age youth with complex presentations including chronic trauma.
• Master's degree in social Welfare, Psychology, or equivalent required. 
• A strong dedication to cultural competency that creates conditions that remove barriers and increase a sense of belonging. 
• Must be eligible to register with BBS as an ASW, MFTi, or LPCi and working toward professional licensure. 
• License preferred.
• Experience working with transition age youth with complex presentations including chronic trauma preferred. Experience does not substitute for professional degree and certification. 
• Must be comfortable working in community settings.
• Willingness to work collaboratively, but with the capacity to work independently 
• Must be able to pass a Community Care Licensing background check
• Must have a car, a valid CA driver’s license and auto insurance.
• Computer skills -- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including MS Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint, Project and Outlook. Experience with database systems 
• Availability - for occasional evening and weekend work and some travel as needed.