What are the responsibilities and job description for the Youth Support Advocate position at Kennedy-Donovan Center?
Full job description Position Overview The Youth Support Advocate (YSA)
provides direct care, supervision, and support to children residing in
an EEC-funded emergency shelter. Working under Program Leadership, this
role ensures the safety, well-being, and positive development of
children experiencing crisis. This is an ideal opportunity for a
compassionate, patient, and energetic professional who is committed to
trauma-informed care and making a meaningful impact. Schedule: Thursday,
5 pm - 1 am Friday, 5 pm - 1 am Saturday, 9 am - 9 pm Key
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 (ADLs),
including hygiene, meals, and routines Facilitate social, recreational,
and life skills development Complete intake and discharge documentation
accurately Administer and document medications per 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 all organizational policies and regulatory
Requirements (EEC, DCF) Core Competencies Child-Centered Care
Compassionate, patient, and respectful approach Safety & Awareness:
Strong supervision and attention to detail Communication: Clear,
professional, and effective Teamwork: Collaborative and reliable
Adaptability: Calm and flexible in high-stress environments Cultural
Competence: Inclusive and respectful of diverse backgrounds
Professionalism: Maintains ethical standards and confidentiality Why
Join Us? Make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families
Gain hands-on experience in trauma-informed and residential care
Opportunities For Growth Within Human Service Required Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent Minimum 1 year of experience working
with children or vulnerable youth (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 (CPR, First Aid, SafetyCare) Successful completion of
Background Checks Per EEC Requirements Preferred Qualifications
Associate?s or Bachelor?s degree in Human Services, Social Work,
Psychology, Education, or related field Experience in child welfare or
residential care settings Experience with de-escalation, conflict
resolution, or restorative practices Valid driver?s license with
acceptable driving record Bilingual/multilingual skill Working
Conditions & Physical Requirements Active role requiring standing,
walking, bending, and participation in activities Ability to lift up to
50 lbs as needed Work in a 24/7 residential setting (indoor and outdoor
responsibilities) Exposure to varying noise levels and weather
conditions Participation in routine household tasks (cleaning,
organizing, etc.) Must maintain required certifications (CPR, First Aid,
SafetyCare) High emotional awareness and resilience required due to
crisis-related work
provides direct care, supervision, and support to children residing in
an EEC-funded emergency shelter. Working under Program Leadership, this
role ensures the safety, well-being, and positive development of
children experiencing crisis. This is an ideal opportunity for a
compassionate, patient, and energetic professional who is committed to
trauma-informed care and making a meaningful impact. Schedule: Thursday,
5 pm - 1 am Friday, 5 pm - 1 am Saturday, 9 am - 9 pm Key
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 (ADLs),
including hygiene, meals, and routines Facilitate social, recreational,
and life skills development Complete intake and discharge documentation
accurately Administer and document medications per 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 all organizational policies and regulatory
Requirements (EEC, DCF) Core Competencies Child-Centered Care
Compassionate, patient, and respectful approach Safety & Awareness:
Strong supervision and attention to detail Communication: Clear,
professional, and effective Teamwork: Collaborative and reliable
Adaptability: Calm and flexible in high-stress environments Cultural
Competence: Inclusive and respectful of diverse backgrounds
Professionalism: Maintains ethical standards and confidentiality Why
Join Us? Make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families
Gain hands-on experience in trauma-informed and residential care
Opportunities For Growth Within Human Service Required Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent Minimum 1 year of experience working
with children or vulnerable youth (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 (CPR, First Aid, SafetyCare) Successful completion of
Background Checks Per EEC Requirements Preferred Qualifications
Associate?s or Bachelor?s degree in Human Services, Social Work,
Psychology, Education, or related field Experience in child welfare or
residential care settings Experience with de-escalation, conflict
resolution, or restorative practices Valid driver?s license with
acceptable driving record Bilingual/multilingual skill Working
Conditions & Physical Requirements Active role requiring standing,
walking, bending, and participation in activities Ability to lift up to
50 lbs as needed Work in a 24/7 residential setting (indoor and outdoor
responsibilities) Exposure to varying noise levels and weather
conditions Participation in routine household tasks (cleaning,
organizing, etc.) Must maintain required certifications (CPR, First Aid,
SafetyCare) High emotional awareness and resilience required due to
crisis-related work