Youth Advocate

RIVER OAK CENTER FOR CHILDREN INC•Elk Grove, CA

4d•$26 - $27•Onsite

About The Position

River Oak is seeking a passionate Youth Advocate to join their JJDTP program. This Full Service Partnership is designed for probation-connected youth (ages 13-17, with participation up to age 26) who have a Serious Emotional Disturbance and are involved in the juvenile justice system. The program aims to keep youth in their homes, schools, and communities by providing comprehensive mental health services and supports. The goals include stabilizing placements, reducing homelessness, supporting academic participation, increasing vocational or employment opportunities, and decreasing psychiatric hospitalizations and detentions or incarcerations. River Oak is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Requirements

Must be 21-35 years of age.
Must have successfully completed twelfth grade (or the equivalent of completing twelfth grade) PLUS at least one (1) year of responsible work experience.
Must have lived experience or received services from the juvenile justice system, probation systems, or foster care system. (Work, professional, or volunteer experience does not qualify as personal, lived experience).
Must have strong communication, networking, and organizational skills.
Proficient with Outlook, Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Maintain a variety of online recordkeeping and documentation processes and systems, ensuring all relevant confidentiality and privacy requirements are met.
Knowledge of pertinent laws, codes, regulations, and guidelines related to the operation and delivery of a variety of client services to individuals and families with particular emphasis on child welfare system, juvenile justice system, IDEA, special education, and child protection services applicable reporting laws and protocols.

Responsibilities

Advocate for clients, parents, and family; attend meetings both within and outside the Agency with youth to provide support and inform the youth of their rights and options; explain the applicable systems obligations and empower youth to present their desires and needs in treatment.
Perform home and school visits to build relationships and trust with the youth, empower the youth and family to meet goals and objectives, explain assigned program activities, and review current outcomes and efforts; identify the strengths of the youth and support the youth in identifying focus areas.
Assist in the identification of clients and families natural resources, strengths, and needs; assist youth and team in locating and utilizing community, Agency, and other resources; make phone calls, network and research, assist families in determining logistics, scheduling appointments, arranging transportation, and providing other necessary support.
Meet established client service accountability goals; track productivity levels on a consistent basis; self manage to achieve established client service accountability goals and modify behaviors accordingly.
Attend a variety of meetings, trainings, and seminars, which may include staff and departmental meetings, clinical case meetings, county training sessions and Agency training programs; network with other service providers.
Work effectively and positively in a team environment; establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties.
Learn and understand Agency's organization, policies, operations and program services.
Learn and apply the terminology, billing system, philosophy and documentation requirements of the Agency and of referring sources.