Youth Engagement Associate

SAFE PLACE FOR YOUTH • Los Angeles, CA

2d • $22 • Onsite

About The Position

Mental Health Advocates are a part of a Network with the Department of Mental Health Initiative to function as leaders in designing and advocating for healthy and racially equitable communities. As a Mental Health Youth Advocate at SPY you will support the goal to improve young people holistically through different services, activities and engagements. Utilizing an equity centered community design you will provide support and services to youth experiencing trauma.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology or related fields is preferred.
• 1-2 years of experience in social services or related fields is required.
• 1+ years experience providing direct services to high-risk youth including counseling and advocacy is required.
• 1+ years experience providing direct services to high-risk youth.
• 1+ years of experience working in an Access Center environment.
• Working knowledge of social, emotional, and cognitive development, trauma informed care and harm reduction service model
• A commitment to and a passion for the mission, vision, values, and culture of SPY
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment that requires attention to detail and effective collaboration with a variety of organizations and individuals
• Written and verbal communication skills
• Cultural responsiveness and humility
• Life and Lived Experience: have learned lessons from circumstances and others and applied to personal development
• Ability to work and communicate respectfully within a context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities, and cultural backgrounds
• Experience using technology; social media, database systems, Google Suite
• Ability to work some evenings and weekends (some local travel required)

Nice To Haves

• Individuals with mental health lived experience are encouraged to apply

Responsibilities

• Establish authentic, positive, and supportive relationships with members and provide/welcome feedback.
• Conduct thorough screenings of individuals entering the program to assess their mental health needs
• Serve as the point person for crisis de-escalations, utilizing de-escalation techniques and crisis intervention strategies.
• Coordinate and facilitate safe exits from the property for individuals experiencing crises, ensuring a supportive and respectful process.
• Conduct checks for weapons and unwanted substances in accordance with site safety guidelines.
• Promote and coach peers to engage in their mental health and develop mental health management plans and goals.
• Provide support and guidance to clients as they enter, ensuring their comfort and addressing any immediate concerns.
• Work with staff and community personnel to maintain a safe environment for all program participants.
• Work closely with program staff, including clinicians, case managers, and staff personnel, to ensure a seamless and coordinated approach to client support
• Act as a liaison on behalf of community members to follow-up with health management/care plans and providers.
• Promote COVID-19 awareness; provide community education on prevention, transmission and testing; encourage testing and clinical care for symptoms.
• Provide direct service support to young people at the Access Center through clothing, laundry, day to day operations and more.
• Assist youth in understanding care plans, language, and instructions.
• Facilitate community members’ access to mental health related services, including but not limited to: information and instruction on appropriate use of resources, overcoming barriers to obtaining needed care and social services.
• Promote and coach self-love and care by supporting community members to engage in their mental health and develop management plans and goals.
• Document activities, service plans, and results in an effective manner while strictly adhering to policy and procedure.
• Attend internal and external meetings; including the Dept of Mental Health.
• Other duties as assigned to support the mission of the program and organization.

Benefits

• Safe Place for Youth offers a competitive benefit package including comprehensive health coverage, 403b with agency contribution, and vacation/sick time.
• We also offer unique perks including weekly meditation/mindfulness and professional development opportunities that are tailored to your individual career growth.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees