Credible Messenger

Youth Advocate Programs Inc.; Danbury (CT); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Prescription

Vision

Short Term Disability

UNUM Supplemental Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Pet Insurance

Paid Time Off

Holiday Pay

403(b) Retirement Savings

Weekly Pay

Direct Deposit

Flexible hours; may include evenings

Job summary

Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. is seeking reliable and compassionate Credible Messengers to join our team. As a Credible Messenger, you will advocate for at‑risk individuals, provide mentoring, guidance, and wraparound support within a trauma‑informed framework.

You will work closely with program staff, create Individualized Service Plans, and engage families and communities. Flexibility for evenings and weekends is required; valid driver’s license and transportation are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum High School Diploma or GED Equivalent required.
• Experience living and working in target communities.
• Flexible schedule including evenings and weekends.
• Experience in home and community based services.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Knowledge of Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems is a plus.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Exceptional organization skills and attention to detail.
• Reliable transportation, valid driver\'s license, and current auto insurance.
• Bilingual/Spanish speaking is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Maintain hours face-to-face contact as specified by the ISP and provide quality services to participants and families.
• Develop supportive, positive relationships with participants and families and conduct outreach to engage individuals who may be resistant.
• Ensure activities and service hours align with needs, goals, and interests as defined by the service plan and risk level.
• Under supervision, involve community resources and natural supports as determined by needs and service plans.
• Help individuals and families repair and strengthen relationships with people and systems through advocacy, navigation, coaching, and negotiation.
• Allow for flexibility and non-traditional work hours, including evenings and weekends.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Reliability

Flexibility

Bilingual

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

MS Office

EHR systems

Job description

Youth Advocate Programs, Inc., a national non-profit, is seeking reliable and compassionate Credible Messengers to join our team. As a Credible Messenger, you play a crucial role in our efforts to promote positive change within our community. You will be an Advocate for at-risk individuals, working closely with them to provide support, guidance, and encouragement.

Status: Full-Time, Hourly FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

Summary of Position: The Credible Messenger (Advocate) is to provide individualized mentoring, skill building, wraparound, and additional support to high-risk individuals and their families using a trauma-informed and strength-based approach. Services will be close coordination with other program staff and guided by Individualized Service Plans.

• Maintain appropriate hours face-to-face contact as specified by the ISP and provide quality services to program participants and families at the levels specified to promote good outcomes.
• Develop supportive, positive and health relationships with each program participants and their family and conduct persistent and respectful outreach to engage individuals who may be resistant.
• Ensure activities and service hours coincide with needs, goals, and interest of the program participants as defined by the service plan, probation conditions, nature of offence, risk level and Program Director and Program Coordinator.
• Under supervision of the Program Director and Program Coordinator, involve the appropriate community resources and natural supports as determined by individual needs and service plans.
• Help individuals and their families repair and strengthen relationships with people, organizations, and systems within their community through advocacy, navigation, modeling, coaching, and negotiating. Promote collaboration with systems and agencies.
• Allow for flexibility and non-traditional work hours, including evenings and weekends.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Minimum High School Diploma or GED Equivalent required.
• Experience and having resided and worked with significant knowledge of the target communities, local resources, and challenges.
• Flexible schedule and committed to doing everything they can to engage the target population in neighborhoods with high rates of violence and gun violence.
• Experience in the provision of home and community based services.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.)
• Knowledge of Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems is a plus.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Exceptional organization skills and attention to detail.
• Reliable transportation, valid driver's license, and current auto insurance coverage is required.
• Bilingual/Spanish speaking is a plus

Benefits Available:

• Medical/Prescription
• Vision
• Short Term Disability
• UNUM Supplemental Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Pet Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Pay
• 403(b) Retirement Savings
• Weekly Pay
• Direct Deposit
• Flexible hours; may include evenings and weekend

Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on individual merit, skills, and qualifications, without regard to race, age, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, military or veteran status, or disability or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where YAP operates. YAP will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

Travel Required

Yes . Travel throughout community to homes and schools

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.