Youth Advocate, Wraparound-Yolo

Stanford Sierra Youth & Families

10h•Onsite

About The Position

The Youth Advocate position involves providing support and advocacy for youth within various systems, including child welfare, foster care, mental health, and the juvenile justice system. This role requires individuals with lived/living experience to coach and mentor youth, help them navigate systems, and connect them with community resources. Youth Advocates also participate in agency-wide decision-making, provide feedback to staff, and assist in the hiring process. The position emphasizes the importance of youth voice and choice in service delivery and treatment planning.

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
Ability to advocate on behalf of clients in navigating and negotiating those systems

Nice To Haves

Previous experience with advocacy, outreach, and community resources
Has obtained Peer Specialist Certification (for Youth Advocate II)
Has a minimum of 1 year experience as a Peer Advocate (for Youth Advocate II)

Responsibilities

Participate in the youth intake process, ensuring youth are aware of advocacy and support services.
Coach and educate youth to acquire greater communication, system navigation, and self-regulation skills.
Participate in CFT (Child and Family Team) meetings, assess strengths and challenges, provide parenting support, inform about services, and link to community resources.
Utilize lived/living experience for personal wellness, connection, and support in peer-to-peer connection points.
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, advocacy, and policy development.
Assist parents, caregivers, and youth with the grievance and complaint process, including mentoring and coaching.
Provide collateral support to youth assigned by the FYP Manager.
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 all work-related details.
Participate in on-going training to expand and develop professional skills.
Perform other duties as necessary for the agency, as assigned.