Youth Support Advocate

Kennedy--donovan-Center-; Halfway House (MA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Wellness

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Employer-Paid Long-Term Disability

Mileage Reimbursement for Work-Related

403(b) Retirement Plan

Tuition Remission Opportunities

PTO accrual: Vacation, Personal, Sick

Holiday pay

Job summary

Kennedy--donovan-Center- in Uxbridge, MA seeks an Overnight Youth Support Advocate to provide direct care and supervision for children in an EEC-funded emergency shelter. You will ensure safety and support trauma-informed development through structured activities and responsive crisis intervention.

Responsibilities include documenting intake/discharge, managing daily living tasks, and maintaining records and confidentiality while adhering to EEC and DCF policies.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 1 year of experience working with children or vulnerable youth.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care and child development.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to remain calm and respond effectively in crises.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule.
• Successful completion of background checks per EEC requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide a safe, structured, and supportive environment for children in care.
• Maintain required staff-to-child ratios per EEC guidelines.
• Supervise children at all times to ensure safety and program compliance.
• Support activities of daily living including hygiene, meals, and routines.
• Facilitate social, recreational, and life skills development.
• Complete intake and discharge documentation accurately.
• Administer and document medications per agency policy (as applicable).
• Respond effectively to crises, including medical emergencies.
• Maintain accurate records and uphold confidentiality standards.
• Follow all policies and regulatory requirements (EEC, DCF).

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Crisis response

Child development

Interpersonal skills

Communication

CPR training

First Aid

SafetyCare

Job description

Youth Support Advocate$20.60 / hour | Work-Life Balance | Work to make an impact!The Youth Support Advocate (YSA) provides direct care, supervision, and support to children residing in an EEC-funded emergency shelter. Working under Program Leadership, this role ensures the safety, well-being, and positive development of children experiencing crisis.This is an ideal opportunity for a compassionate, patient, and energetic professional who is committed to trauma-informed care and making a meaningful impact.Schedule: OvernightsSunday, 9 pm - 9 amTuesday, 1 am - 9 amWednesday, 1 am - 9 amLocation: Uxbridge, MAKey ResponsibilitiesProvide a safe, structured, and supportive environment for children in careMaintain required staff-to-child ratios in accordance with EEC guidelinesBuild positive, supportive relationships and serve as a role modelSupervise children at all times to ensure safety and program complianceSupport activities of daily living (ADLs), including hygiene, meals, and routinesFacilitate social, recreational, and life skills developmentComplete intake and discharge documentation accuratelyAdminister and document medications per agency policy (as applicable)Respond effectively to crises, including medical emergenciesMaintain accurate records and uphold strict confidentiality standardsParticipate in required trainings, meetings, and professional developmentFollow all organizational policies and regulatory requirements (EEC, DCF)Why Join KDC? | Competitive Benefits PackageHealth & WellnessMedical, Dental, and Vision InsuranceHealth Savings Account (HSA)Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA & Dependent Care)Employer-Paid Life InsuranceEmployer-Paid Long-Term DisabilityFree Virtual Medical, Mental Health, Therapy, and Psychiatry ServicesMusculoskeletal Support ProgramFinancial & Professional GrowthMileage Reimbursement for Work-Related Travel403(b) Retirement PlanStudent Loan Repayment AssistanceTuition Remission OpportunitiesProfessional Development and Career GrowthAdditional PerksVacation (156 hours), Personal (16 hours), and Sick Time (80 hours)*Up to 11 Paid HolidaysPet InsuranceAccident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity CoverageBJ's Wholesale Club Membership DiscountsPersonal Auto and Home Insurance Support*PTO is calculated using an accrual rate based on hours worked.Required QualificationsHigh school diploma or equivalentMinimum 1 year of experience working with children or vulnerable youth(residential, foster care, emergency settings, or similar)Knowledge of trauma-informed care and child developmentStrong communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skillsAbility to remain calm and respond effectively in crisis situationsWillingness to work a flexible scheduleAbility to complete required trainings (CPR, First Aid, SafetyCare)Successful completion of background checks per EEC requirementsWorking Conditions & Physical RequirementsActive role requiring standing, walking, bending, and participation in activitiesAbility to lift up to 50 lbs as neededWork in a 24/7 residential setting (indoor and outdoor responsibilities)Exposure to varying noise levels and weather conditionsParticipation in routine household tasks (cleaning, organizing, etc.)Must maintain required certifications (CPR, First Aid, SafetyCare)High emotional awareness and resilience required due to crisis-related workNote: Staff are not authorized to use physical restraint; safety is maintained through de-escalation and trauma-informed practices.