Part-Time Youth Care Advocate

Old Colony YMCA; Brockton (MA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The Old Colony YMCA Boy's Detention Program offers an entry-level position for individuals looking to start a career in human services, with hands-on experience and extensive training opportunities. You will work directly with justice-involved youth in a positive-based residential setting, in a supportive, team-oriented environment focused on trauma-informed care and de-escalation techniques.

This role emphasizes professional boundaries, documentation, and collaboration with a multidisciplinary

Qualifications

• Minimum of a high school diploma or GED required.
• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in social work, Psychology, Human Services, or related field preferred.
• Experience working with youth in residential, group home, or behavioral health settings.
• Knowledge of trauma‑informed care or prior training in related approaches.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to build trust and rapport with youth while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Ability to de‑escalate crises and manage conflict calmly and safely.
• Physically and emotionally able to respond to challenging behaviors.
• Good documentation and basic computer skills (for logging notes, incident reports, etc.).
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

Documentation

De-escalation

Trauma-informed care

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Job Description

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.

Requirements

• Minimum of a high school diploma or GED required.
• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in social work, Psychology, Human Services, or related field preferred.
• Experience working with youth, especially in a residential, group home, or behavioral health setting.
• Knowledge of trauma‑informed care or previous training in related approaches.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to build trust and rapport with youth while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Ability to de‑escalate crises and manage conflict calmly and safely.
• Physically and emotionally able to respond to challenging behaviors.
• Good documentation and basic computer skills (for logging notes, incident reports, etc.).
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team.