Back-Up Youth & Family Advocate

Pathfinders; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 18,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Pathfinders in Milwaukee operates a 24-hour runaway and homeless youth shelter, seeking a dedicated advocate to supervise youth, provide crisis support, and coordinate intake and services. The role includes shift coverage, documentation, and interaction with community agencies to ensure safe, supportive care.

Starting pay is $16 per hour; union eligibility and a strong commitment to youth welfare are key. Applicants must be adaptable and able to work evenings and weekends in a high-pressure

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; bachelor's preferred.
• Availability for varied shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• First aid certification required (can be obtained after hire).
• Ability to work independently in a high-stress, confidential environment.

Responsibilities

• Initiate and complete youth intake interviews, assess needs, and develop shelter contracts.
• Provide support, supervision, and crisis intervention; model positive behavior.
• Maintain client records and share information during shift changes.
• Tour facility for safety and licensing compliance; report issues to supervisor.
• Deliver daily educational activities and basic independent living skills.
• Provide crisis counseling by phone, information, and referrals as needed.
• Attend monthly shifts scheduling meetings and updates.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Crisis counseling

Communication

Multicultural sensitivity

Documentation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field (preferred)

Job description

Job Purpose and Reporting Structure:

Under the direction of the Senior Youth and Family Advocate, oversee the activities for a 24-hour runaway and homeless youth shelter.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Initiate and complete youth intake interview processes, which includes initial meetings, service explanations, assessments, and the development of shelter contracts. Assist therapists with client intervention plans, initial assessments, advocacy, and referrals.
2. Provide support, care, supervision, and guidance for youth, which includes meeting physical, emotional, and crisis needs. Reinforce positive behavior and administer consequences as needed. Demonstrate positive role modeling for youth. Oversee the day-to-day activities of youth in the shelter. Ensure that meals are properly prepared and in compliance with established nutritional standards. Assist with the purchase of groceries and program supplies as authorized.
3. Accurately complete and maintain client files and program documentation. Exchange client and program information with fellow YFAs during established shift changes.
4. Tour the facility and grounds each shift to ensure a safe environment and compliance with licensing regulations. Maintain status about current equipment and furnishings in the house and report problems to the Program Manager.
5. Provide daily educational group activities for residents. Provide resident youth with basic independent living skills on an individual or group basis.
6. Provide telephone crisis counseling, information, and referral to meet the needs of youth, adults, and other community agencies.
7. Attend monthly meeting to schedule shifts and discuss any changes, updates and other important information.
8. Other duties may be assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Provide ongoing training, supervision, and guidance to program volunteers and field placement student interns. Provide feedback on shifts and communicate this feedback to the volunteer or student’s assigned supervisor.

Qualification Requirements:

• Must be available to work varying shifts per month, including 7a-4pm, 3pm-12pm, 11pm-8am, weekends, and holidays.
• Must be available to work a minimum of 5 shifts per month when coverage is needed.
• Requires education generally equivalent to a high school diploma. A Bachelor’s degree with emphasis in social work or related field is preferred. At least one semester as a volunteer or student advocate assistant experience and demonstrated competence in supervising youth preferred. Individuals not possessing a four-year degree in the human services field must successfully complete internal job training. Previous experience in working with youth in a residential setting preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operation and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and business correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of residents or employees of the organization.
• First aid certification is required but can be obtained after hire.
• Ability to work independently within the parameters of the program and to be able to work in an environment where there is frequent exposure to stressful/crisis situations.
• Ability to respect and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to work with a non-judgmental attitude in a population comprised of diversity in gender, socio-economic and ethnic group, sexual orientation, and physical or mental abilities.

Additional information:

Starting pay $16 per hour. This position is union eligible and a great opportunity to join a caring and committed team of professionals.