Youth Support Advocate - Overnights!

Kennedy-Donovan Center • New Bedford, MA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

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

This is a 28-hour-per-week overnight position with scheduled shifts on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Tuesday and Wednesday from 1 a.m. to 9 a.m. Compensation is $20.60 per hour. The role is based in a 24/7 residential setting and includes indoor and outdoor responsibilities. 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 exposure to varying noise levels and weather conditions.
• Ability to maintain required certifications in CPR, First Aid, and SafetyCare.
• 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 with children 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.

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: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED