Youth Advocate

Face To Face Health & Counseling Services•Saint Paul, MN

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Face to Face Health and Counseling is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing economic and health equity for youth ages 11–24. We do this work through a comprehensive approach that includes housing, mental health, medical, youth justice, education & employment, and community services. We take a strengths-based and trauma-informed approach to our work and center the needs of young people impacted by racism and other forms of oppression and marginalization. Founded in 1972, Face to Face serves more than 3,000 youth annually. The Youth Advocate is the first point of contact when youth enter SafeZone, our drop-in center for youth experiencing homelessness. The Youth Advocate position is responsible for providing individualized support & basic needs assistance (including meals, personal hygiene, shower and laundry) and follow-up to support youth to overcome homelessness. This position is full-time at 37.5 hours a week. Monday – Friday 10:15am-6:15pm

Requirements

High School degree or equivalent required
Minimum of 2 years work experience working with the homeless or at-risk youth
Ability to work independently, exercising good judgment in involving others when necessary
Experience with a positive youth development and harm reduction approach
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
High reliability and integrity
Positive attitude and willingness to do what it takes to meet youth needs
Good crisis management skills and the ability to navigate stressful situations well
Knowledge of homelessness and its impact youth
Demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively with people of diverse ethnic, economic, racial and cultural backgrounds

Nice To Haves

B.A. in social services or equivalent education preferred; experience in lieu of degree will be considered

Responsibilities

Manage all tasks related to the front desk at SafeZone.
Provide excellent customer service while checking youth in the center and answering phones.
Engage with youth at the center in a meaningful and respectful manner while assisting them with various resources offered at the center or in the community.
Respond to crises and de-escalate situations in a calm and professional manner.
Maintain the daily flow of the drop-in center by working in the clothing closet, restocking center supplies, upkeep of common areas, and special projects that arise.
Support food service operations, including packing bag lunches and preparing/serving hot meals.
Lead volunteers in the drop-in.
Lead youth programing.
Collecting and recording appropriate data and completion of paperwork.
Provide basic needs/survival aide, crisis intervention, supportive services, information and referrals to run-away and homeless youth that enable youth to relocate from the streets to safe and stable housing situations.
Conduct individual assessments with youth to determine needs and housing stability.
Refer youth to agencies for supportive services, case management and mental health support.
Provides all services guided by the evidence-based principles for helping youth overcome homelessness.
Perform other duties as assigned.