Youth Advocate

First-Place-For-Youth-1; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Benefits

Job summary

First Place for Youth in Oakland, CA seeks a Youth Advocate to provide case management, psycho-social assessment, and intervention planning for foster youth transitioning to adulthood. The role blends onsite and community-based work within the Transitional Living Program, coaching youth toward housing stability, employment, and education goals.

Ideal candidates bring 1–2 years in child welfare, a Master’s in social welfare/psychology, and licensure eligibility (ASW/MFTi/LPCi).

Qualifications

• Minimum 1–2 years in child welfare or transition-aged youth.
• Master's degree required in social welfare/psychology.
• Eligible to obtain professional licensure (ASW/MFTi/LPCi).
• Cultural competency to remove barriers and foster belonging.
• Ability to pass a background check.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual counseling, crisis intervention, and life skills training.
• Lead multi-disciplinary team with coaching to promote housing stability and employment.
• Develop and implement strength-based, youth-centered intervention plans.
• Document care plans, assessments, and progress notes accurately.
• Participate in on-call coverage and occasional evenings/weekends.

Skills

Case management

Counseling

Crisis intervention

Documentation

Education

Master's degree in social welfare or psychology

License eligible (ASW/MFTi/LPCi)

Tools

MS Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

Access

Job description

Youth Advocate

First Place for Youth Oakland, California, United States

Are you dedicated to empowering and supporting youth, regardless of their background? We're searching for passionate individuals to make a positive impact on the lives of foster youth. Become an integral part of their transformative journey and join the First Place for Youth team.

About First Place for Youth, we’re a leading non-profit organization dedicated to supporting foster youth in their transition to adulthood, with a focus on education, employment, and housing. We believe that all young people deserve the opportunity to thrive and lead successful, independent lives. Our comprehensive programs empower foster youth to overcome the unique challenges they face and build the skills, confidence, and connections they need to succeed.

Why Work at First Place for Youth

Meaningful Impact:Help to transform the lives of foster youth on the cusp of adulthood. Your role will support them in their journey to conquer challenges, achieve independence, and fulfill their aspirations.

Innovative Approach:We thrive on innovation, pushing the boundaries of foster care support. Your voice here matters, and you’ll contribute to programs that redefine the futures of these young lives.

Collaborative and Supportive Environment: Embrace a dynamic and supportive workplace, where every team member is valued. Together, we're a force dedicated to uplifting youth. Expect professional growth, fueled by teamwork and collaboration.

Comprehensive Benefits: We value the well-being of our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package. From health and wellness benefits to retirement plans, we ensure that our team members are taken care of so they can focus on their important work supporting foster youth.

Culture of Diversity and Inclusion: We celebrate diversity in every form. At First Place for Youth, inclusivity reigns, creating a workplace where all voices are heard, respected, and empowered.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Youth Advocate is responsible for case management, psycho-social assessment, development and implementation of intervention strategies. The Youth Advocate provides clinical leadership to a multi-disciplinary team and provide coaching to support each youth to achieve goals of housing stability, sustainable and sustaining employment, and educational achievement. The Youth Advocate is active in developing, supporting and implementing an individualized, strength-based, culturally competent, youth-centered approach. A successful Youth Advocate understands how to motivate, influence, and mentor young adults to achieve goals while launching adult lives from the homeless system. This position is a combination of onsite and community-based work Monday through Friday and will be part of our Transitional Living Program (TLP) which serves young adults referred through the SF homeless response system.

DUTIES + RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide youth with individual counseling, crisis intervention, referrals, advocacy and life skills training. (70%)

Direct Care and Interventions:

In-residence visits are mandatory as outlined in the program guidelines.

Develops partnership strategy with each youth

Gathers and analyzes on-going information to ensure youth safety, well-being and progress

Provides clinical leadership to multi-disciplinary teams consisting of youth, family and other natural supporters, county case managers, Employment and Education Specialists, Housing Specialists, and Intake Specialists to ensure seamless and effective service delivery

Organizes, schedules, and facilitates youth and team meetings

Provides on-going assessment of youth well-being and develops plans to ensure safety and Deescalate crisis as needed

Provides direct support, coaching, mentoring and intervention to increase youth self-sufficiency and goal attainment.

Participates on a rotating basis to provide on-call coverage

Provides crisis counseling as needed.

Case Management/Coordination:

Collaborates with community providers including county workers, courts, professionals, vocational and independent living skills programs, schools, family members and significant others

Keeps key team members informed and Works with team members to identify and engage appropriate natural supporters.

Documentation/Administrative Duties (30%)Completes documentation including but not limited to Care and Services plans, needs assessments, and progress notes.

Ensures all needed paperwork and consents are completed for each client at time of entry.

Participates in agency committee as assigned.

Provides on-going orientation and training to staff as assigned.

Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum 1-2 years of experience working in a child welfare social service setting or with transition age youth with complex presentations including chronic trauma.

Master's degree in social Welfare, Psychology, or equivalent required.

A strong dedication to cultural competency that creates conditions that remove barriers and increase a sense of belonging.

Must be eligible to register with BBS as an ASW, MFTi, or LPCi and working toward professional licensure.

License preferred.

Experience working with transition age youth with complex presentations including chronic trauma preferred. Experience does not substitute for professional degree and certification.

Must be comfortable working in community settings. Willingness to work collaboratively, but with the capacity to work independently

Must be able to pass a Community Care Licensing background check

Must have a car, a valid CA driver’s license and auto insurance.

Computer skills -- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including MS Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint, Project and Outlook.

Experience with database systemsAvailability - for occasional evening and weekend work and some travel as needed.*We do not offer relocation assistance Local candidates preferred*Pay will be determined based on Education and Experience.

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

We are unable to sponsor work visas now or in the future.

First Place will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and applicable law. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting the California Civil Rights Department Fair Chance Act webpage or reviewing this guidance provide by the City of San Francisco. For additional information regarding your rights, please also review theSummary of Your Rights Under the FCRA.*Social Worker