Youth Support Advocate, Youth Emergency Shelter

Kennedy-Donovan Center•Uxbridge, MA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Youth Support Advocate (YSA) provides direct care, supervision, and support to children residing in an EEC-funded emergency shelter. Working under Program Leadership, the YSA helps ensure children’s safety, well-being, and positive development while they are experiencing crisis. The role calls for a compassionate, patient, and energetic professional committed to trauma-informed care. The position is offered at two locations with different schedules: New Bedford, Massachusetts, is full-time at 36 hours per week, scheduled Wednesday through Friday from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Uxbridge, Massachusetts, is part-time at 28 hours per week, scheduled Thursday and Friday from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Compensation is $20.60 per hour. This is an active role in a 24/7 residential setting, with indoor and outdoor responsibilities. Work includes standing, walking, bending, participating in activities, and routine household tasks. Staff may encounter varying noise levels and weather conditions and must be able to lift up to 50 pounds as needed. The work requires emotional awareness and resilience. Staff are not authorized to use physical restraint; safety is maintained through de-escalation and trauma-informed practices.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least 1 year of experience working with children or vulnerable youth in residential, foster care, emergency, or similar settings.
Knowledge of trauma-informed care and child development.
Strong communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to remain calm and respond effectively in crisis situations.
Willingness to work a flexible schedule.
Ability to complete required trainings, including CPR, First Aid, and SafetyCare.
Successful completion of background checks required by EEC.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, participate in activities, and lift up to 50 pounds as needed.
Ability to work in a 24/7 residential setting, including indoor and outdoor responsibilities and varying noise levels and weather conditions.
High emotional awareness and resilience.

Responsibilities

Provide a safe, structured, and supportive environment for children in care.
Maintain required staff-to-child ratios in accordance with EEC guidelines.
Build positive, supportive relationships and serve as a role model.
Supervise children at all times to ensure safety and program compliance.
Support activities of daily living, including hygiene, meals, and routines.
Facilitate social, recreational, and life-skills development.
Complete intake and discharge documentation accurately.
Administer and document medications according to agency policy, as applicable.
Respond effectively to crises, including medical emergencies.
Maintain accurate records and uphold strict confidentiality standards.
Participate in required trainings, meetings, and professional development.
Follow organizational policies and regulatory requirements, including EEC and DCF requirements.
Complete routine household tasks such as cleaning and organizing.
Maintain required certifications, including CPR, First Aid, and SafetyCare.