Youth Support Advocate, Youth Emergency Shelter
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 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 Uxbridge, Massachusetts position is part-time, scheduled for 28 hours per week: Thursday and Friday from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The position pays $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. Staff are not authorized to use physical restraint; safety is maintained through de-escalation and trauma-informed practices.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Minimum of 1 year of experience working with children or vulnerable youth in residential, foster care, emergency settings, or similar.
- 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, and participate in activities.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs as needed.
- High emotional awareness and resilience due to the crisis-related nature of the 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 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.
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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
