Peer Advocate

Defender Association of Philadelphia•Philadelphia, PA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Child Advocacy Unit (CAU) collaborative team of attorneys and social workers provide high quality, client centered legal representation to dependent clients who range in age from birth to 21 years, advocate in court for the delivery of effective community based services for our clients and their families, and develop an appropriate permanency plan for every child and youth. The Peer Advocate will join this holistic team to support older youth in this process. The mission of the Peer Advocate in the CAU is threefold; (1) to ensure clients have access to essential resources and services to prepare for life after foster care, (2) work in a team with Attorneys and CAU Social Service Staff to develop individual plans for older youth, specifically older youth transitioning out of the dependency system; and (3) strengthen individuals, and the communities we serve by promoting self-sufficiency, self-determination, and community engagement. The ideal candidate for the peer advocate role is a former foster youth who has transitioned out of the dependency system at least two to three years ago. The Peer Advocate will work with older youth clients both inside and outside of the courtroom and within the community. They will use a multidisciplinary approach with the CAU Attorney / Social Service Staff teammates to collaborate with DHS/CUA, AIC, and other community agencies working with transitioning youth. This position serves as an active partner in the Defender Association’s efforts to provide high quality, client centered legal representation for our older youth population who range in age 14- 21 years, advocate outside of court for the delivery of effective community based services and resources for older youth clients, and develop an appropriate aging out plan. The position of the Peer Advocate requires the management of a caseload of approximately 15-20 older youth or youth in transition. Peer Advocates will routinely visit older youth in court, the community and office setting and consult with the CAU team to assess a clients’ well-being, as well as the approach and support needed as this youth begins to transition out of foster care.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED preferred
In college or some college, a plus
Former experience as a youth in foster care and transitioning out of the dependency system at least two years ago
Demonstrates qualities in leadership
Must be able to work with a diverse population
Team oriented and possess strong interpersonal skills
Willingness to complete identified training
Must be willing to complete child abuse clearance and background checks
Ability to effectively communicate with CAU management, staff, and youth
Ability to speak Spanish, a plus
Competent written and verbal communication skills

Responsibilities

Peer Advocates will be assigned cases based on a referral process completed by CAU attorney and CAU Social Service staff person.
Supervisor for Peer Advocates will assign cases based on need.
Supervisor for Peer Advocates, Peer Advocate and Atty/Social Service team will conference once case is assigned to allow the Peer Advocate to understand the needs of the client.
Will attend regular supervision and supervisory team meetings.
Complete thorough documentation of all contact with older youth clients, community providers and CAU colleagues.
Identify resources for clients’ needs.
Maintain a spreadsheet of type of contact with older youth client, and next court date.
Attend trauma-focused training courses as well as other identified training specific for Peer Advocates.
Participate in all CAU department programs, trainings, and staff meetings.
Assist with the development of the CAU resource bank.
Visit client in court, community, and through phone or Facetime to build compassionate, trusting, and supportive relationships with clients and to engage and assess the identified need outlined by the CAU team.
Engage clients in planning their own care and having their voices heard.
Provide support during the transition process: ex. assisting with visiting apartments/calling landlords…job searches, resume building etc.
Share personal knowledge and experience (based on your comfort) about youth servicing systems and resources.
Actively participate in older youth meetings with assigned attorney or social service staff person.
Actively engage in conversations and implementation of fine tuning the Peer Advocate position.
Assist, support and serve as backup to other Peer Advocates.
Seek assistance from supervisor as necessary or required.
Interact with clients, colleagues, and supervisors in a collaborative, professional, supportive and confidential manner.
Exhibit commitment to self and the well-being of all in work product and interactions.
Establish and maintain consistent communication with identified CAU Atty and Social Service Staff Person on cases and discuss clients identified need/s while case is assigned.
Prepare case notes to document steps taken during planning process as well as resources identified.
Maintain a high level of collaboration with assigned legal team and supervisor.
Provide court support for clients which can be a draining and a stressful place for older youth.