Youth Advisory Council Member

Children's Law Center of California • Monterey Park, CA

17d • $20 - $20

About The Position

Children’s Law Center of California is seeking a Foster Youth Representation Initiative as a Youth Advisory Council. This position is specifically designed for individuals who were prior clients of CLC and who have firsthand experience navigating the foster care system. The Advisory Council is dedicated to elevating youth voices and influencing CLC’s practice standards and both internal and external policy. We are seeking passionate individuals who are committed to advocating for improvements in the legal representation and support of children, youth, and families impacted by the child welfare system.

Your Impact on the Mission – Excellence in Advocacy
Attend at least 4 in-person meetings per year (at Monterey Park office), or more as needed.
Conduct youth surveys for current clients either in-person at Monterey Park, Sacramento or Placer courthouses OR virtually
Participate in virtual meetings via Zoom a minimum of once per month or more frequently, as needed, to discuss ongoing initiatives and strategy.
Provide valuable insights and recommendations based on personal experiences within the foster care system.
Assist in the development of policies and programs that address the unique needs of foster youth clients.
Develop and implement methodology and process for obtaining client feedback regarding their experiences.
Advocate for systemic changes at both local and statewide levels through public speaking engagements, media opportunities and legislative advocacy efforts.
Represent the Youth Advisory Council at relevant conferences, events and meetings.

Requirements

• Must reside in California.
• Must have lived experience as a former foster youth represented by CLC in Sacramento, Placer or Los Angeles, but must not still have an open dependency case.
• Committed to attending scheduled meetings and actively participating in discussions.
• Passionate about advocating for policy changes and improvements in legal representation for foster youth.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to articulate issues and recommendations effectively.
• Comfortable having nonjudgmental conversations with youth about sensitive topics.
• Willingness to collaborate with peers, legal professionals, and community stakeholders.
• Demonstrate leadership potential and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Access to reliable internet and proficiency in using Zoom for virtual meetings.
• Ability to travel to quarterly in-person meetings (meetings will take place on weekends; stipends for needs such as childcare will be considered on an individual as-needed basis). Travel costs to attend meetings may be covered by CLC on a case-by-case basis.

Responsibilities

• Attend at least 4 in-person meetings per year (at Monterey Park office), or more as needed.
• Conduct youth surveys for current clients either in-person at Monterey Park, Sacramento or Placer courthouses OR virtually
• Participate in virtual meetings via Zoom a minimum of once per month or more frequently, as needed, to discuss ongoing initiatives and strategy.
• Provide valuable insights and recommendations based on personal experiences within the foster care system.
• Assist in the development of policies and programs that address the unique needs of foster youth clients.
• Develop and implement methodology and process for obtaining client feedback regarding their experiences.
• Advocate for systemic changes at both local and statewide levels through public speaking engagements, media opportunities and legislative advocacy efforts.
• Represent the Youth Advisory Council at relevant conferences, events and meetings.

Benefits

• This is a temporary, independent contractor position. Hourly compensation is provided for participation in meetings and activities at the rate of $20/hr.
• Opportunities for personal and professional development, including mentorship, training, networking, and assistance with public speaking, advocacy, and leadership skills.
• Meaningful engagement in creating positive changes for foster youth within the child welfare system and at the legislative/policymaking level.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed