Youth Advocate

Children's Aid Society; New York (NY); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A community services organization is seeking Youth Advocates in New York City to assist chronically absent youth in overcoming barriers to school attendance. The role involves mentoring students, tracking attendance, and collaborating with school staff to ensure their educational success. Candidates should be pursuing a degree and have experience working with K-8 students. This position offers flexible hours and operates on a unique calendar from August to June.

Qualifications

• Experience working with student populations in grades K-8.
• Organized with strong follow-up skills.
• Understanding of and sensitivity to the emotional and academic needs of students.

Responsibilities

• Support a caseload of 15-20 youth to improve attendance.
• Attend weekly student success meetings to track progress.
• Provide tutoring and conduct assessments as needed.

Skills

Motivating and engaging students

Classroom management

Interpersonal and communication skills

Education

Pursuing a Bachelor's or Associate’s Degree

Job description

Overview

Description Under the supervision of the Assistant Community School Director, Youth Advocates will work with chronically absent youth to address barriers to daily school attendance and to help them reach their educational outcomes. The Youth Advocate will help identify causes of poor attendance and collaborate with CAS staff and DOE to seek solutions. Success mentors may also work directly with groups of youth, lead activities, and organize events.

Essential Duties

• Have a caseload of 15-20 youth and be matched with mentees for a full program term.
• Provide light case management and support as needed.
• Meet and greet matched youth each morning/afternoon when they arrive at school or program site; make early morning calls to absent students.
• Track attendance and celebrate progress.
• Meet with mentees regularly, one-on-one and in small groups, to check in on school progress and listen to youth needs.
• Collaborate with school and site leadership to identify appropriate interventions to support and engage youth.
• Seek guidance and identify targeted sources of youth or family supports from appropriate school staff and community partners under the direction of the Site supervisor.
• Keep notes about youth attendance patterns, needs, and interventions; monitor data as part of the program’s data strategy.
• Attend (or be represented at) weekly student success meetings to share practices, challenges, and summarize youth progress.
• Work with groups of youth to develop and maintain an effective system of classroom management that encourages pro-social behavior and self-discipline.
• Communicate regularly with the Director or other designated CAS personnel regarding needs and supplies to support chronically absent youth.
• Provide tutoring using a web-based reading intervention for struggling readers (Lighting Squad).
• Lead parent attendance workshops on a monthly basis.
• Lead weekly clubs for students who are chronically absent.
• Meet with teachers and/or school personnel to create plans for student success.
• Provide classroom support as needed, including leading groups using the Leader in Me (LIM) framework.
• Conduct SEL assessments with students as appropriate.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor's or Associate’s Degree.
• Experience working with student populations in grades K-8.

Key Competencies

• A demonstrated ability to motivate and engage students throughout the program.
• Organized with strong follow-up.
• Mature, with good judgment.
• Good listener with interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent classroom management skills and the ability to create a safe and engaging learning environment.
• Understanding of and sensitivity to the emotional, social, and academic needs of students at different developmental stages.

Please note that hours can vary during the school year. This position does not follow the Department of Education Calendar. Available 7:30-3:00pm. Available from August 20 to June 26.

It is the policy of Children’s Aid to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment and to maintain a work environment free from harassment and discrimination. Children’s Aid will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or retaliation on any basis, including race, creed, color, national origin, ethnicity, alienage or citizenship status, gender/sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, source of income, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, familial status, caregiver status, military status, marital or partnership status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking, predisposing genetic characteristics, arrest or conviction record, credit history, unemployment status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Children’s Aid is committed to complying with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment.

Children’s Aid will conduct prompt and thorough investigations of all allegations of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation and will take appropriate corrective action where warranted. Children’s Aid prohibits retaliation against employees who participate in an investigation or who report concerns under this policy.

The incumbent is expected to work a schedule, whether in-person or hybrid, as determined by the department’s needs to facilitate effective collaboration with the team. This flexibility is essential for maintaining seamless communication, fostering teamwork, and ensuring smooth department operations. The position’s requirements are subject to periodic review and adjustment based on organizational needs.