Youth Advocate PT

JOB TITLE: Youth Advocate

REPORTS TO: Counseling Program Coordinator

LOCATION: St. George

HOURS: Part-time 25-30 hours per week

PAY: $16.96 hourly

BENEFITS: 401(k) 3% Match, Accrued PTO. DOVE Center specified Holiday differential time and a half. Benefits are specified by hours worked in policy/procedure manual.

VALUES:

DOVE Center promotes the workplace values of Trust, Compassion, Accountability, Mutual Respect, Excellence, and Inclusion. In addition to our workplace values, DOVE Center expects employees to demonstrate a commitment to our agency Mission and Vision Statement, as well as our agency policies and procedures. Employees are also expected to demonstrate additional personal and professional qualities specific to their role. Specifically, Youth Advocates are expected to be committed to ongoing learning and development as a trauma informed advocate and child/youth service provider; and are required to participate in a minimum of 40 hours victim advocacy training, and 16 hours of ongoing yearly training. Additionally, Youth Advocates are expected to participate in continuing education and maintain expertise on current research and developments in the fields of child development, ACEs, childcare practices, and other pertinent topics.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Youth Advocate is responsible for facilitating all outreach activities and groups for children/youth ages 0-13, as well as assisting with various community outreach events. Most of the childcare and/or children/youth groups are scheduled co-occurring to adult support groups. During youth activities and groups, it is a priority for an advocate to have the ability to reflectively listen to a child/youth and help them feel heard while advocating for their needs and concerns. DOVE’s goal in advocacy is to empower any individual to voice their needs and concerns with people they are safe with. A Youth Advocate is expected to stay current with best practices for providing victim advocacy, which includes a minimum of 40 hours of victim advocacy training.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/DUTIES:

• Direct Service (80%):
  • Plan, Organize, and Facilitate child/youth activities and groups at various times and locations, in conjunction with Youth Advocates and Prevention Advocates. Including:
    • Childcare provided during 7-8 adult support groups and classes 
    • Support Group (Kid’s Club) facilitated for children 7-13 yrs.
    • Youth Self Esteem and Empowerment classes at 1-2 WCSD Schools and Healthy Relationships presentations at schools throughout the county (back up as needed for Prevention team)
  • Assist Supervisor in providing individual and group-based parenting support services, focused on promoting positive parenting skills 
    • Respite Childcare for Shelter Clients
    • Safety Planning with children 6 and older at the Shelter
    • Childcare to allow client to meet individually with case manager or counselor
• Indirect Service (20%):
  • Prepare, organize, inventory, and transport youth program/activity supplies to/from a variety of locations 
  • Coordinate/collaborate closely with other Education/Youth Program team members.
  • Assist supervisor(s) in development of curriculum and protocols for various child/youth related groups, activities, and classes
  • Attend all mandated training, meetings, and community coalitions, as required/requested by assigned supervisor(s)
  • Clean and disinfect toys regularly on a rotational basis at all DOVE locations
  • Practice compliance with all policies, record keeping requirements, checklist assignments, assigned documentation, and any other assigned duties

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge Requirements:
  • Degree, training, and/or experience in child/youth services related field preferred.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Windows Operating Systems, Word, Excel, Google Suite, and Google Chrome
  • Understanding of child development, childhood trauma, and child advocacy is preferred
  • Familiarity with Washington County child/youth resources, agencies, and stakeholders preferred
• Intellectual and Physical Requirements:    
  • Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) preferred, but not required. 
  • Bending, twisting, reaching, and other movements may be necessary during activities 
  • Lifting of office and job-related materials (up to 50 lbs.) may also be requested
• Other Information: 
  • Must have reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license
  • Travel may occasionally be required for educational or business purposes. It is not anticipated that any travel would last more than 2 – 3 days
  • Must adhere to the federal VAWA & HIPAA laws pertaining to confidential protected health information.
  • Must adhere to guidelines set forth by DOVE Center, the Department of Human Services (DHS), Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), and other governing bodies, concerning program policies, licensure requirements, and code of ethics
  • Employment dependent upon the successful completion/pass of a criminal background check and initial onboarding training

The DOVE Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or the presence of handicaps or disabilities, or any other basis protected by state or federal law.