Emergency and Youth Services Advocate

Cornerstone Advocacy Service • Bloomington, MN

17d • $21 • Onsite

About The Position

The Emergency and Youth Services Advocate provide direct childcare, advocacy, and supportive services to victims/survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking/sexual exploitation who are accessing Cornerstone’s housing, emergency shelter, hotel, crisis line, and walk-in services. This role supports children ages 4 months to 12 years while also providing survivor-centered advocacy to adults, enabling families to safely access critical programming, services, and crisis support. This role utilizes trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and survivor-centered approaches to support individual family members and the family unit across both office-based and community-based settings. Services are provided in offices. Work schedule includes days, evenings, and weekends to accommodate our after-school program and participant scheduling needs. Scheduled holidays may be required

Requirements

• Valid driver’s license, insurance, and reliable vehicle are required for this role

Nice To Haves

• Minimum of 1-2 years of experience working with children and youth in advocacy, childcare, or other related settings. Experience working with children and youth who have witnessed or experienced trauma is preferred.
• Knowledge and experience in working with diverse, marginalized, and underrepresented communities, and anti-oppression work.
• A bachelor’s degree in child development/early education, psychology, social work or related field or experience in the social service field are a plus.
• Ability to work in individual and group settings with children and youth of all ages, parents, and the family as a unit.
• Experience providing direct services and advocacy to individuals and families experiencing domestic violence, sexual violence, and/or human trafficking using a survivor-centered and trauma-informed approach.
• Knowledge of pre-school, elementary, and high school enrollment, Homeless McKinney Vento Act and school liaison and transportation processes.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and in team settings.
• Effective communication skills. Fluency in another language is a plus.
• Knowledge of and aptitude with Microsoft Office, web-based applications, and other related forms of technology.

Responsibilities

• Maintain professional, confidential, trauma-informed, and survivor-centered support, advocacy, information, and safety planning for victims/survivors via phone, in-person, and walk-in services.
• Answer crisis line calls, provide information, support, and referrals to victims/survivors or concerned persons and systems personnel (medical, social services, law enforcement, etc.).
• Screen potential shelter/hotel participants requesting emergency shelter and managing placements, including utilizing Day One (DO).
• Welcome new participants into shelter/hotel, conducting intakes, basic needs assessments, tours, and shelter guidelines orientation.
• Respond professionally to law enforcement intervention contacts and follow up with participants in line with program protocols.
• Provide ongoing advocacy, resources, crisis intervention, and interpreter services to residents.
• Assist current residents with basic living skills (cleaning, meal preparation, childcare) and prepare apartment spaces during participant turnover.
• Accurately document services, critical incidents, and participant interactions in databases (e.g., Apricot) and other tracking methods.
• Collaborate with ES Advocates, CAS program staff, and supervisors to ensure seamless referrals and accurate information sharing.
• Stay updated on ES and CAS policies, protocols, and activities.
• Participate in training, mentoring, and onboarding of new hires, interns, and volunteers.
• Plan and implement age-appropriate arts, crafts, games, music, and other recreational activities in a safe, nurturing, and fun environment.
• Support children in developing safe, appropriate ways of interacting and expressing feelings during afterschool and recreational programs.
• Assist parents/caregivers with educational planning, school enrollment, attendance monitoring, and access to academic resources.
• Collaborate with Advocates to provide wraparound services for families, supporting the entire family unit.
• Create and maintain learning and play spaces, keeping them safe, clean, and engaging.
• Maintain inventory and stock for children and youth items in storage areas.
• Utilize available learning tools, webinars, and resources to enhance professional knowledge and skills.
• Conduct intake session with every youth and parent/caregiver to assess strengths, goals, safety plans, and needs.
• Provide consistent and regular support for parents/caregivers and families through one-on-one sessions, community visits, family sessions, support groups, and Cornerstone-hosted events.
• Assist with planning and running our after-school program for youth in K-12th grade, including hiring and supervising program interns.
• Coach parents/caregivers on basic parenting techniques with age-appropriate expectations, coping mechanisms, childcare, and health related referrals, in a compassionate manner.
• Completes other duties as assigned by supervisor that support overall program objectives and services to victim/survivors.

Benefits

• Health Care: Comprehensive coverage options.
• Paid Time Off: 160 hours annually, plus 13 paid holidays, 2 floating holidays and your birthday in your first year. (Based on FT/40 hours per week.)
• Retirement Savings: Up to a 4% employer match after 90 days of service.
• Vision Coverage: Free for employees.
• Virtual Mental Health Services: Free for employees and their immediate families.
• Virtual Medical Care: Free for employees and their immediate families when enrolled in any of our medical plans.
• Life Insurance: Basic coverage provided at no cost to employees.
• Long-Term Disability: Free coverage for employees.
• Paid Parental Leave: Available after one year of service

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 51-100 employees