Youth Advocate & Case Manager

Coastal Horizons Center, Inc.; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Educational loan repayment programs

Retirement savings plan/401K

Paid time off; 14 paid holidays

Job summary

Coastal Horizons Center, Inc. seeks a Youth Advocate to provide direct advocacy, case management, outreach, and support to youth residing in the Open House Shelter.

You will engage youth in a residential setting to meet basic needs, set short- and long-term goals, and link them to community resources and services. The role uses a strengths-based, trauma-informed, non-judgmental approach to promote safety, stability, wellness, and self-sufficiency, while supporting outreach and education on

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work or a related human services field.
• Two years of residential staff experience and/or experience working with youth.
• Current Adult CPR and Basic First Aid certification.
• Knowledge of available community resources.
• Knowledge of issues affecting sexual assault/abuse, runaway youth, homeless youth, and street-involved youth.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to establish rapport and develop effective working relationships with youth, supervisors, coworkers, community partners, and the general public.
• Ability to represent Coastal Horizons Center professionally in the community.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct advocacy and case management services to youth residing in the shelter.
• Assess youth needs and assist with identifying and addressing immediate and ongoing needs.
• Develop measurable short- and long-term goals with youth and monitor progress toward those goals.
• Connect youth with community resources and services, including medical and behavioral health services, public benefits, childcare, education, WIC, housing, and other supportive services.
• Provide telephone referrals and assistance with scheduling and accessing community services.
• Provide transportation assistance for medical appointments and other essential services as appropriate.
• Provide health education and encourage youth to establish and maintain healthy wellness practices.
• Facilitate the weekly Botvin LifeSkills group.
• Conduct street-based and community outreach to engage runaway, homeless, and street-involved youth and connect them with appropriate services.
• Educate youth, agencies, community partners, and the public regarding the risks and challenges faced by runaway and homeless youth.
• Promote awareness of available emergency shelter, sexual assault/rape crisis, domestic violence, medical/health, behavioral health, and substance use services.
• Organize and participate in community events to promote Open House services, including Parents Day Out events.
• Develop and maintain relationships with community agencies and encourage partnerships that support high-risk youth populations.
• Educate community partners and employees regarding issues affecting homeless and runaway youth, including the unique needs of LGBTQIA+ youth.
• Maintain the program's existing National Safe Place membership.
• Develop and maintain current and future Safe Place site partnerships.
• Submit required membership and program data.
• Represent Coastal Horizons Center professionally within the community and with partner organizations.
• Provide support to Residential Staff as needed.
• Step in to provide residential coverage when staffing gaps occur.
• Maintain a safe, supportive, respectful, and positive environment for youth.
• Utilize a strengths-based approach that recognizes and reinforces the individual strengths and abilities of each youth.
• Demonstrate respect for diversity and engage each youth with compassion, non-judgment, and support.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and complete client documentation.
• Update and maintain client records in accordance with program and agency requirements.
• Audit client records for accuracy and completeness.
• Complete required documentation, reports, and program data.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Rapport building

Trauma-informed approach

Advocacy

Public benefits knowledge

Diversity & inclusion awareness

Written and verbal communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work or related field

Job description

Coastal Horizons Center, Inc. seeks a Youth Advocate to provide direct advocacy, case management, outreach, and support to youth residing in the Open House Shelter.

You will engage youth in a residential setting to meet basic needs, set short- and long-term goals, and link them to community resources and services. The role uses a strengths-based, trauma-informed, non-judgmental approach to promote safety, stability, wellness, and self-sufficiency, while supporting outreach and education on