Youth Advocate

First Place for Youth•Oakland, CA

3d•$70,965 - $74,700•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

Minimum 1-2 years of experience working in a child welfare social service setting or with transition age youth with complex presentations including chronic trauma.
Master's Degree in Social Welfare, Psychology, or equivalent required.
A strong dedication to cultural competency that creates conditions that remove barriers and increase a sense of belonging.
Must be eligible to register with BBS as an ASW, MFTi, or LPCi and working toward professional licensure.
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.
Availability - for occasional evening and weekend work and some travel as needed.

Nice To Haves

License preferred.
Experience working with transition age youth with complex presentations including chronic trauma preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide youth with individual counseling, crisis intervention, referrals, advocacy and life skills training.
In-residence visits are mandatory as outlined in the program guidelines.
Develops partnership strategy with each youth.
Gathers and analyzes on-going information to ensure youth safety, well-being and progress.
Provides clinical leadership to multi-disciplinary teams consisting of youth, family and other natural supporters, county case managers, Employment and Education Specialists, Housing Specialists, and Intake Specialists to ensure seamless and effective service delivery.
Organizes, schedules, and facilitates youth and team meetings.
Provides on-going assessment of youth well-being and develops plans to ensure safety and Deescalate crisis as needed.
Provides direct support, coaching, mentoring and intervention to increase youth self-sufficiency and goal attainment.
Participates on a rotating basis to provide on-call coverage.
Provides crisis counseling as needed.
Collaborates with community providers including county workers, courts, professionals, vocational and independent living skills programs, schools, family members and significant others.
Keeps key team members informed and Works with team members to identify and engage appropriate natural supporters.
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.
Participates in agency committee as assigned.
Provides on-going orientation and training to staff as assigned.
Other duties as assigned