What are the responsibilities and job description for the Youth Care Advocate position at Old Colony YMCA?
The Old Colony YMCA Boy's Detention Program is offering a unique opportunity to work directly with justice-involved youth in a positive-based residential setting. This is a meaningful, entry-level position ideal for individuals looking to launch a career in the human services field. This opportunity offers - A supportive, team-oriented environment, hands-on experience working with youth and extensive training opportunities, including: Trauma-Informed Care, De-escalation Techniques, Positive Youth Development and more.
Qualifications:
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Minimum of a high school diploma or GED required.
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Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or related field preferred.
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Experience working with youth, especially in a residential, group home, or behavioral health setting.
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Knowledge of trauma-informed care or previous training in related approaches.
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Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
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Ability to build trust and rapport with youth while maintaining professional boundaries.
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Ability to de-escalate crises and manage conflict calmly and safely.
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Physically and emotionally able to respond to challenging behaviors.
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Good documentation and basic computer skills (for logging notes, incident reports, etc.).
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Ability to work collaboratively with a team.
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Flexibility to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, or overnights.