Youth Care Advocate - Per Diem

Old Colony YMCA; Brockton (MA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The Old Colony YMCA Brockton program offers an entry-level opportunity to work directly with justice-involved youth in a supportive residential setting. This role focuses on building trust, safety, and positive development for young people.

With trauma-informed care, de-escalation techniques, and extensive training opportunities, you will join a team that values collaboration and hands-on experience to launch a meaningful career in human services.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate's or bachelor's degree preferred in related fields.
• Experience with youth in residential, group home, or behavioral health setting.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed approaches or related training is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Work directly with justice-involved youth in a residential setting.
• Provide trauma-informed care and de-escalation support.
• Collaborate with a team and maintain professional boundaries.
• Maintain documentation and incident reports.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

De-escalation techniques

Team collaboration

Documentation and computer skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associates or Bachelor's degree (preferred) in Social Work/ Psychology/ Human Services

Job description

Job Description

The Old Colony YMCA Boy's Detention Program is offering a unique opportunity to work directly with justice-involved youth in a positive-based residential setting. This is a meaningful, entry-level position ideal for individuals looking to launch a career in the human services field. This opportunity offers - A supportive, team-oriented environment, hands-on experience working with youth and extensive training opportunities, including Trauma-Informed Care, De-escalation Techniques, Positive Youth Development and more.

Requirements

• Minimum of a high school diploma or GED required.
• Associate's or bachelor's degree in social work, Psychology, Human Services, or related field preferred.
• Experience working with youth, especially in a residential, group home, or behavioral health setting.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care or previous training in related approaches.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to build trust and rapport with youth while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Ability to de-escalate crises and manage conflict calmly and safely.
• Physically and emotionally able to respond to challenging behaviors.
• Good documentation and basic computer skills (for logging notes, incident reports, etc.).
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team.