Youth Support Advocate, Youth Emergency Shelter

Kennedy-Donovan Center • Uxbridge, MA

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Youth Support Advocate provides direct care, supervision, and support to children residing in an EEC-funded emergency shelter. Working under Program Leadership, the advocate helps ensure the safety, well-being, and positive development of children experiencing crisis. The role is suited to a compassionate, patient, and energetic professional committed to trauma-informed care.

The position is based in Uxbridge, Massachusetts, and is offered in part-time and full-time schedules. The part-time schedule is 28 hours per week; the full-time schedule is 36 hours per week. Both schedules include overnight shifts. Compensation is $20.60 per hour.

This is an active role in a 24/7 residential setting, with indoor and outdoor responsibilities, routine household tasks, and exposure to varying noise levels and weather conditions. 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 CPR, First Aid, and SafetyCare trainings.
• Successful completion of background checks required by EEC.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and participate in activities; 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 for crisis-related work.

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 in accordance with 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.
• Participate in routine household tasks such as cleaning and organizing.
• Maintain required certifications, including CPR, First Aid, and SafetyCare.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Health Savings Account (HSA).
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA and Dependent Care).
• Employer-paid life insurance.
• Employer-paid long-term disability.
• Free virtual medical, mental health, therapy, and psychiatry services.
• Musculoskeletal support program.
• Mileage reimbursement for work-related travel.
• 403(b) retirement plan.
• Student loan repayment assistance.
• Tuition remission opportunities.
• Professional development and career growth.
• Vacation, personal, and sick time.
• Up to 11 paid holidays.
• Pet insurance.
• Accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity coverage.
• BJ's Wholesale Club membership discounts.
• Personal auto and home insurance support.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED