Youth Advocate

CENTER FOR COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS•xxx, CA

1d•$24 - $26•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Residential Services Manager, the Youth Advocate is responsible for developing and providing onsite trauma-informed direct services and activities for youth (ages 0-18) and caregivers residing in confidential residential programs for families impacted by intimate partner and sexual violence. Youth-centered services will include crisis intervention, safety planning, advocacy with schools and other entities, and activities which increase engagement in communal environment, learning of coping skills to heal from abuse they have experienced, and other supportive activities while in the residential program. This position will require working closely with residential advocates and staff across CCS programs, as well as forging collaborative relationships with other youth-serving providers throughout San Diego County. This position requires flexible hours including evenings and weekends depending on client needs.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent required.
Complete California State-approved Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Crisis Intervention Training (or must complete upon hiring).
Maintain a minimum of 12 hours of ongoing training per year as required.
Minimum one (1) year experience working with traumatized or at-risk children/youth.
Minimum one (1) year experience in the field of family violence intervention, client services, and/or crisis intervention
Minimum one (1) year experience providing group activities, advocacy, case management, and/or residential care
Minimum one (1) year experience working with children, youth, adolescents, or families (preferably at risk or underserved populations).
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including conflict resolution skills.
Must demonstrate an acceptance and respect for cultural diversity in all its forms, including ethnicities, sexual orientations, abilities, genders, and religious backgrounds.
Computer proficiency with Microsoft Office Applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, Power point, Access)
Organized and detail oriented with the ability to effectively multi-task, prioritize, and meet deadlines.
Ability to maintain a proactive approach and execute all duties in their entirety.
Maintain confidentiality and professionalis m at all times.
Proactively adapt to always changing requirements and duties.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in counseling, social work, psychology, child development or related field
Coursework completed in child development or experience working with at-risk youth.
Bilingual oral and written fluency in Spanish.

Responsibilities

Conduct developmentally appropriate intakes and needs assessment of incoming youth residents, providing trauma-related education, connecting to resources. Assist in creation of personalized goal plan.
Observe client progress on goal plans through regular client meetings, providing advocacy services and resources as necessary.
Communicate with parents, on an as needed basis, and in regard to parenting support, including assistance with parenting strategies and child developmental-related topics.
Develop child-specific curriculum and activities for children/youth with high levels of trauma. Organize and facilitate youth activities onsite including playgroups, leisure/play activities, celebrations, and opportunities for families to gather together.
Provide ongoing advocacy for children/youth, including assisting with school enrollment and ensure families are supported in the transition.
Provide crisis intervention and emergency counseling for youth clients both in-person and over the hotline.
Ensure ongoing familiarization with all CCS programs and services. Establish and maintain relationships with youth serving organizations. Participate in cross-training and team collaboration efforts.
Assist with day-to-day operations of the shelter ensuring safety and well-being for all participants of the program.
Process documentation and prepare reports relating to contact with clients and callers through Efforts to Outcomes (ETO). Maintain the highest levels of accuracy in record-keeping and reporting, ensuring that all client files and documentation are complete and up to date.
Administer and distribute gift cards upon approval, ensuring all appropriate documentation is completed and submitted to fiscal.
Other duties as assigned.