New Directions YOUTH CLIENT ADVOCATE

Must have experience working with youth

Sundays and Monday off 

Schedule: 12pm-8pm 

Responsibilities

1. Must plan activities for children in residential setting.
2. Responsible for initiating school programs and maintaining them throughout the school year.
3. Answer crisis hotline and provide crisis services.
4. Must provide groups for children using age-appropriate topics related to the effects of DVSA on children and based on established best practices.
5. Must complete assessments for children within five business days of entry into residential services.
6. Responsible for attending all conferences, in-service training, and workshops to increase knowledge of domestic violence, sexual assault issues, and legal issues as they relate to the field: with an emphasis on child related issues.
7. Must adhere to all policy, procedure, and operations manuals.
8. Maintain a clean, safe, and protected play area for children that is welcoming.
9. During school hours if children are not in shelter, provide parenting support and workshops for parents around child related issues.
10. Make referrals to community agencies and programs when applicable to include written documentation of such services.
11. Provide linkage and advocacy with the local school system to provide for education needs.
12. Provide advocacy with other community systems as needed.
13. Ensure a safety plan that is appropriate with respect to the child or adolescent’s age, development, and education.
14. Maintain all necessary paperwork to perform duties as a client advocate and youth advocate, including documentation in client files, crisis logs, administrative paperwork, and all messages incoming and outgoing for clients.
15. Assist with educational workshops in schools to increase awareness about domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking issues for youth/teens.
16. Responsible for completing the required minimum number of training hours per year (24 hours/full-time; 12 hours/part-time).
17. Other duties as required by program needs.

 Competencies

1. Understands and applies the agency policies and procedures (i.e. dress code and appearance, adherence to work schedules, completion of trainings, etc.).
2. Punctually attends meetings and trainings. Completes assigned trainings in adequate time frames and obtains the minimum number of training hours required within the calendar year.
3. Demonstrates dependability by consistently working scheduled shifts and following proper procedures when unable to work scheduled shifts.
4. Displays cultural competency by valuing the fundamental rights, dignity, and self-worth of all people including respecting age, culture, disability, ethnicity, race, religion/spirituality, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, socioeconomic status, or any basis proscribed by law.
5. Interacts with others in a professional manner and effectively navigates interpersonal differences. Maintains appropriate boundaries with supervisors, colleagues, and clients.
6. Demonstrates the ability to consult or seek supervision regarding concerns or issues and communicates effectively with colleagues and clients.
7. Displays professionalism and ability to work as part of a team.
8. Identifies potential safety issues and takes measures to reduce risks and protect clients and staff.
9. Understanding of trauma-informed services and sensitivity to the unique circumstances to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
10. Build rapport with parents and work with them in addressing their parenting needs. Understand and apply basic child and adolescent development principles.
11. Demonstrates ability to adapt, facilitate, and evaluate activities for youth based on developmental needs. Interacts with youth in a way that promotes skill-building. Facilitates a minimum of one group per quarter in a community or school setting.

The Youth Advocate will receive training and be evaluated based on each of the above competencies and responsibilities. Your signature indicates you have reviewed and understand the job description.

This is an hourly position classified as eligible for overtime according to the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.  Marie Detty Youth and Family Services is an at-will employer.  Employment is by mutual consent of the company and employee and either may terminate the relationship at any time, with or without cause or advance notice.  This job is contingent upon funding; however, availability of funding is not a guarantee of continued employment, nor does it imply any specific terms of employment.

Requirements

1. Must be 21 years old.
2. BA/BS in psychology or social sciences is preferred. High school diploma/GED is required.
3. Prior to providing any direct services, children’s services personnel shall receive the prescribed orientation training and minimally have one (1) year employment or volunteer experience in a childcare or service-related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience in childcare or development issues. Experience or training in domestic violence and sexual assault issues is preferred. 
4. Demonstrate strong writing, verbal, and organizational skills.
5. Must have strong assessment and interpersonal skills, flexible attitude, and able to meet the demands of a heavy caseload.
6. Must be able to lift at least 25 lbs.
7. Must have a valid driver’s license and telephone.
8. Must pass FBI background investigation.
9. Ability to communicate with and advocate on behalf of residents.
10. Ability to maintain records and confidentiality. 
11. Ability to maintain a professional appearance and demeanor at all times.
12. Ability to assess situations, identify potential safety issues, and independently initiate safe interventions.
13. Must be able to attend mandatory trainings and monthly staff meetings as scheduled. The Youth Advocate is required to become certified (within 90 days) in CPR/First Aid.