Sun - Thurs Overnight Family Advocate - YPLP/Melrose

Centerboard; Melrose (MA); On-site; USD 23,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Centerboard in Melrose, MA is seeking a Family Advocate to join a trauma-informed team caring for teen parents and their children in a residential setting. You will manage a caseload, provide consistent support, advocacy, and structured guidance to help families reach treatment goals.

This role is approximately 75% documentation and case coordination, with the remainder devoted to safety, daily engagement, and creating a stable, nurturing environment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required; youth residential experience preferred.
• Valid driver’s license with clean driving record.
• Must use personal vehicle for agency transport when needed.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills required.
• Trauma-informed, inclusive environment experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Case management including intakes, assessments, goal tracking, and referrals.
• Maintain accurate documentation and logs.
• Ensure resident and facility safety; lead activities and enforce rules.
• Respond to crises using trauma-informed strategies.
• Provide daily support: transport residents, supervise childcare, and assist with chores.
• Engage families with respect and consistency; support transitions and aftercare.

Skills

Strong communication

Organizational skills

Flexibility

Professionalism

Trauma-informed approach

Crisis response

Education

High School Diploma

Some college or bachelor’s degree (preferred)

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Melrose, MA 02180

Position Type: Full Time

Salary Range: $20.16 - $20.16 Hourly

Job Shift: Overnight Shift

Position Summary: Family Advocate

YPLP Advocates are key members of a supportive, trauma-informed team that works directly with teen parents and their children in a residential setting. Each Advocate manages a caseload of up to four families, helping them achieve treatment goals through consistent support, advocacy, and structured guidance.

The ideal candidate is patient, empathetic, detail-focused, and skilled at finding solutions to challenges.

This role is 75% documentation and case coordination, with the remainder focused on safety, daily engagement, and creating a stable, nurturing environment. Advocates must be able to build healthy relationships, respond to crises, and maintain a strong sense of structure and accountability. We are looking for a candidate to work the following schedule: Sunday through Thursday, 11pm - 7am.

Core Responsibilities

• Case Management: Complete intakes, assessments, weekly meetings, goal tracking, treatment plans, and referrals for assigned families.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate records (progress notes, communication logs, incident reports, medication logs, etc.).
• Safety & Supervision: Ensure resident and facility safety at all times; lead structured activities and enforce program rules.
• Crisis Response: Intervene using trauma-informed strategies and report concerns promptly.
• Daily Support: Transport residents, assist with chores, supervise childcare, and encourage life skills development.
• Relationship Building: Engage families with respect, compassion, and consistency while supporting transitional care and aftercare planning.
• Facility Oversight: Conduct room searches, fire drills, and random drug tests; clean and maintain shared spaces.
• Collaboration: Communicate effectively with team members, supervisors, and external collaterals.
• Medication Administration: Follow all MAP guidelines for safe, documented medication distribution.
• Training & Compliance: Attend required trainings and help onboard new staff when needed.

Overnight Shift Duties

• Conduct hourly bed checks and safety rounds
• Clean and restock the facility
• Provide morning transportation
• Must remain fully awake and alert throughout shift

Qualifications and TrainingQualifications & Competencies

• Required: High School Diploma and experience working with youth in a residential or similar setting.
• Preferred: Some college or a bachelor’s degree.
• Strong communication, organization, flexibility, and professionalism are essential.
• Must build healthy, positive relationships with youth and support a trauma-informed, inclusive environment.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record required; must use personal vehicle when agency transport isn’t available.
• Commitment to Centerboard’s values of culture and belonging is expected.

Training & Compliance

• Must complete and maintain certifications in:
  • CPR/First Aid
  • Trauma-Informed Care
  • Behavior Management (CPS)
  • Protective Intervention
  • Medication Administration
  • HIPAA
  • OSHA
  • Ethics
  • Culture & Belonging
• Ongoing participation in refresher trainings is required to stay compliant and skilled.
• Ability to prioritize, stay organized, and adapt in a fast-paced, changing environment is key.