Youth Advocate

Our client, a mission-driven community organization, is seeking a Youth/Mentor Advocate to support justice-involved youth through mentorship, advocacy, and structured programming. This individual will serve as a credible messenger, helping participants build life skills, improve decision-making, and reduce further system involvement. The role offers the opportunity to make a direct impact through hands-on engagement with youth, families, and community partners.

Location: Philadelphia, PA (In-person)

Hours: 30–39 hours per week (some weekends required)

Compensation: $20–25 per hour

Key Responsibilities

• Lead weekly small-group sessions, one-on-one mentoring, and enrichment activities for youth ages 14–17
• Conduct intake assessments and develop individualized mentorship approaches
• Provide direct advocacy and mentorship for a caseload of 4–6 youth
• Collaborate with justice partners to track progress against Individualized Achievement Plans (IAPs)
• Serve as a member of each youth’s support system, fostering self-esteem, social development, and civic engagement
• Coordinate referrals and follow up with community-based service providers
• Conduct on-site, off-site, and home visits in partnership with families and internal staff
• Attend court or referral-related appointments as needed
• Deliver curriculum in both one-on-one and small group settings
• Maintain accurate case notes and documentation in the client database
• Participate in team meetings, trainings, and case conferences
• Build and maintain relationships with juvenile justice agencies and community organizations
• Monitor program outcomes and complete required administrative reporting

Ideal Background

• Associate’s degree required; Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Minimum 1 year working with youth ages 13–19
• Minimum 2 years working with court-involved youth
• Experience facilitating youth programming and group sessions
• Familiarity with Positive Youth Development models
• Experience working with Latino and African-American families
• Knowledge of Family Court and Supreme Court systems
• Strong communication, organizational, and documentation skills
• Experience with case management systems and note writing preferred
• Spanish language skills a plus
• Philadelphia residents strongly encouraged to apply
• Certified Behavioral Health Technician certification preferred
• Candidates with lived experience, including prior justice involvement, are encouraged to apply

Benefits

• 401(k) with employer matching
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement

Candidates must be able to obtain required clearances, including medical clearance, Pennsylvania Criminal Background Check, Child Abuse History Certification, and FBI Criminal Background Check.