Youth Advocate

Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency, Inc.; City of Utica (NY); On-site; USD 32,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency, Inc. is seeking a Youth Advocate to connect youth, families, and communities with essential services.

The role focuses on intake, assessment, case management, and advocacy, with emphasis on trauma-informed approaches and collaboration with schools and social services. Responsibilities include supervising activities, documenting progress, and ensuring confidentiality while promoting youth development and rights.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma and at least 2 years of relevant experience.
• Experience working with families and children from diverse cultures.
• Understanding needs of at-risk youth and families.
• Knowledge of Family Court and Department of Social Service Regulations beneficial.
• Basic computer literacy in email, word processing and internet navigation.
• Valid NYS Driver’s License.
• Background check, fingerprint screen and TB, physical exam.
• First Aid and CPR Certification.

Responsibilities

• Provide intake, assessment, mediation, case management and other assistance to youth requesting services.
• Interact with youth during outings and after-school programs.
• Be a role model to youth during all interactions.
• Conduct assessments and write daily progress notes on customers, including behavioral progress.
• Transport clients.
• Facilitating group activities and accessing additional help when required.
• Organize and schedule activities at shelter.
• Organize and schedule outings.
• Recruit youth for DDSO Program.
• Keep files up to date, complete, and accurate with all required documentation.
• Advocate for the rights of children, empower youth to advocate for themselves.
• Function as a team player, giving aid and assistance to co-workers, as needed.
• Inputs information to HMIS database system.
• Attends meetings and participates in training, as directed.
• Provide 24-hour service, on a rotating basis, after working hours through hotline phone (evenings, weekends, and holidays.).
• Mediate problems between youth.
• Incorporate a Trauma Informed Care approach to program delivery.
• Form professional, open, honest, and trusting relationships with youth.
• Educated to the needs and feelings of homeless youth and use effective strategies to assist them.
• Complete all documentation in files of assigned youth according to Federal and State regulations.
• Observes confidentiality according to Performance Standards and Agency Policy.
• Conduct recreation activities with groups in public, private, or volunteer agencies or recreation facilities.
• Performs other duties as requested by the Program Director.

Skills

Communication with youth/families

Discretion and confidentiality

Team collaboration

Trauma-informed care

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

HMIS database

Email/word processing

Job description

Basic Function

The Youth Advocate is responsible for providing information and services to meet the needs of youth, their parents, family members, and guardians. The Youth Advocate is responsible in promoting social interaction and development of social skills. The Youth Advocate will also work with schools, educators, social workers, doctors, community organizations and local political leadership to advocate for the rights of children.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Provide intake, assessment, mediation, case management and other assistance to youth requesting services.
• Interact with youth during outings and after-school programs.
• Be a role model to youth during all interactions.
• Conduct assessments and write daily progress notes on customers, including behavioral progress.
• Transport clients.
• Facilitating group activities and accessing additional help when required.
• Organize and schedule activities at shelter.
• Organize and schedule outings.
• Recruit youth for DDSO Program.
• Keep files up to date, complete, and accurate with all required documentation.
• Advocate for the rights of children, empower youth to advocate for themselves.
• Function as a team player, giving aid and assistance to co-workers, as needed.
• Inputs information to HMIS database system.
• Attends meetings and participates in training, as directed.
• Provide 24-hour service, on a rotating basis, after working hours through hotline phone (evenings, weekends, and holidays.).
• Mediate problems between youth.
• Incorporate a Trauma Informed Care approach to program delivery.
• Form professional, open, honest, and trusting relationships with youth.
• Educated to the needs and feelings of homeless youth and use effective strategies to assist them.
• Complete all documentation in files of assigned youth according to Federal and State regulations.
• Observes confidentiality according to Performance Standards and Agency Policy.
• Conduct recreation activities with groups in public, private, or volunteer agencies or recreation facilities.
• Performs other duties as requested by the Program Director.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma and Minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience.
• Knowledge and experience working with families and children with low income and diverse cultures.
• Understand the needs and emotional needs of at-risk youth and families.
• Knowledge of Family Court and Department of Social Service Regulations beneficial.
• Basic knowledge of community resources in counties agency services.
• Able to effectively communicate with youth/families and outside agencies.
• Able to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality and privacy.
• Adheres to agency personnel policies and procedures.
• Attend training and meetings as required.
• Basic computer literacy in email, word processing and internet navigation.
• Must be able to move throughout the community and participate in outside events/sports activities.
• Background check, fingerprint screen and physical exam and TB.
• First Aid and CPR Certification.
• Valid NYS Driver’s License.

MOHAWK VALLEY COMMUNITY ACTION is an Equal Opportunity Employer, M/F/D/V.