Youth Advocate

First Place for Youth•Oakland, CA

13h•Hybrid

About The Position

First Place for Youth is 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.

Requirements

BA in social work, psychology, counselling or equivalent required with Minimum four years of experience working in a child welfare social services setting or with transition age youth with complex presentations including chronic trauma.
A strong dedication to cultural competency that creates conditions that remove barriers and increase a sense of belonging.
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

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree in a social work, psychology, counselling or equivalent preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide youth with individual counseling, crisis intervention, referrals, advocacy and life skills training.
Conduct weekly, in person meetings with youth assigned to caseload to develop independent living related goals and identify steps to achieve goals, including financial literacy, wellness, good tenancy, parenting, relationships, education planning and employment supports.
Provide continuous coaching, identify barriers and develop joint-plans to achieve success with youth and natural supporters.
In-residence visits are mandatory as outlined in the program guidelines.
Gathers and analyzes on-going information to ensure youth safety, well-being and progress.
Provide career coaching through job readiness, handling work-related issues, promote self-advocacy and increase success in job retention and growth, as well as education research, preparedness and steps towards completion.
Organizes, schedules, and facilitates youth and team meetings.
Provides on-going assessment of youth well-being and develops plans to ensure safety, preventative interventions planning and de-escalate crisis as needed.
Collaborates with community providers including county workers, courts, professionals, vocational and independent living skills programs, schools, employers, family members and significant others.
Prepare clients to maintain housing after program exit or help them to identify alternative housing options if necessary.
Attend weekly program meetings, monthly agency staff meetings, and individual weekly supervision with Program Manager.
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.
Maintain files for caseload and update monthly paperwork.
Participates in agency committee as assigned.
Other duties as assigned

Benefits

15 days of vacation time in the first year
12 days of sick time
2 floating holidays
15 paid holidays
Employee’s choice of Kaiser or UCH HMO/PPO with up to 90% of the premium covered by First Place on certain plans
Principal dental and vision coverage with up to 90% of the premium covered by First Place
Healthcare and Dependent care FSA plans
Principal basic life and voluntary life insurance coverage
Employee Assistance Program
401(k) retirement savings plan
Paid sabbatical