Youth Advocate, Woodland (Yolo Community Based Family Services)

Stanford Sierra Youth & Families•Woodland, CA

9d•$22 - $36•Onsite

About The Position

The Youth Advocate role at Woodland (Yolo Community Based Family Services) involves providing advocacy, coaching, mentoring, and support to youth within the child welfare, foster care, mental health, or juvenile justice systems. This position requires individuals with lived/living experience to help youth navigate systems, develop essential life skills, and ensure their voices are heard in agency decision-making and program development. The role also involves community outreach, participation in team meetings, and providing feedback to staff to promote youth-centered care.

Requirements

Minimum of High School Diploma or GED
Experience as a youth with a serious emotional disturbance receiving, or having previously received, services within child welfare, foster care, mental health, or the juvenile justice system
Basic knowledge of Public Mental Health/Child Welfare/Education systems, and the ability to advocate on behalf of clients in navigating and negotiating those systems

Nice To Haves

Previous experience with advocacy, outreach, and community resources
Spanish Speaking
Has obtained Peer Specialist Certification (Youth Advocate II & III)
Has a minimum of 1 year experience as a Peer Advocate (Youth Advocate II)
Has a minimum of 2 years’ experience as a Peer Advocate (Youth Advocate III)
Consistently demonstrates proficiency and expertise in the role (Youth Advocate III)

Responsibilities

Participate in the youth intake process, ensuring youth are aware of advocacy and support services.
Coach and mentor youth to acquire communication, system navigation, and self-regulation skills.
Participate in CFT (Child and Family Team) meetings to assess strengths and challenges, provide parenting support, inform about services, and link youth to community resources.
Participate in Family and Youth Partnership Wellness and Position Specific Groups using lived/living experience for personal wellness, connection, and support.
Offer ongoing education and support groups for families with similar challenges.
Participate in agency-wide program meetings, family team meetings, and management decisions to provide youth perspectives.
Provide ongoing feedback and training to staff on the importance of youth voice, choice, and cultural sensitivity.
Participate in the interview process for potential employees, assessing their ability to provide youth-sensitive services.
Participate in community trainings, workgroups, planning committees, client treatment reviews, and task forces related to children’s mental health and advocacy.
Assist parents, caregivers, and youth with the grievance and complaint process.
Provide collateral support to youth assigned by the FYP Manager.
Coach and educate internal staff on skills aligned with agency culture and practices (Youth Advocate III).
Attend Leadership meetings as requested (Youth Advocate III).
Lead trainings and initiatives (Youth Advocate III).
Perform all duties in a manner consistent with agency principles and values, adhering to professional codes of ethics, policies, and procedures.
Model and communicate appropriate positive attitudes toward the agency’s Mission, Vision, and Values.
Work collaboratively with all agency programs and staff.
Utilize and maintain a calendar with work-related details for effective time management.
Participate in ongoing training to expand and develop professional skills.
Perform other duties as necessary for the agency.