Peer Advocate

Major Areas of Responsibility

• Peer Advocates will be assigned cases based on a referral process completed by CAU attorney and CAU Social Service staff person.
• Supervisor for Peer Advocates will assign cases based on need.
• Supervisor for Peer Advocates, Peer Advocate and Atty/Social Service team will conference once case is assigned to allow the Peer Advocate to understand the needs of the client.
• Will attend regular supervision and supervisory team meetings.
• Complete thorough documentation of all contact with older youth clients, community providers and CAU colleagues.
• Identify resources for clients’ needs.
• Maintain a spreadsheet of type of contact with older youth client, and next court date.
• Attend trauma-focused training courses as well as other identified training specific for Peer Advocates.
• Participate in all CAU department programs, trainings, and staff meetings.
• Aid in the development of the CAU resource bank.
• Visit client in court, community, and through phone or Facetime to build compassionate, trusting, and supportive relationships with clients and to engage and assess the identified need outlined by the CAU team.
• Engage clients in planning their own care and having their voices heard.
• Provide support during the transition process: ex. assisting with visiting apartments/calling landlords…job searches, resume building etc.
• Share personal knowledge and experience (based on your comfort) about youth servicing systems and resources.
• Actively participate in older youth meetings with assigned attorney or social service staff person.
• Actively engage in conversations and implementation of fine tuning the Peer Advocate position.
• Aid, support, and serve as backup to other Peer Advocates.
• Seek assistance from supervisor as necessary or required.
• Interact with clients, colleagues, and supervisors in a collaborative, professional, supportive and confidential manner.
• Exhibit commitment to self and the well-being of all in work product and interactions.
• Establish and maintain consistent communication with identified CAU Atty and Social Service Staff Person on cases and discuss clients identified need/s while case is assigned.
• Prepare case notes to document steps taken during planning process as well as resources identified.
• Maintain a high level of collaboration with assigned legal team and supervisor.
• Provide court support for clients which can be a draining and a stressful place for older youth.

Qualifications

• A High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• In college or some college, a plus.
• Former experience as a youth in foster care and transitioning out of the dependency system at least two years ago.
• Demonstrates qualities in leadership.
• Must be able to work with a diverse population.
• Team oriented and possess strong interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to complete identified training.
• Must be willing to complete child abuse clearance and background checks.
• Able to effectively communicate with CAU management, staff, and youth.
• Ability to speak Spanish, a plus.
• Cum competent written and verbal communication skills.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to work hybrid.
• May have to lift 15lbs.
• Travel to court, and within the community to meet with clients as well as occasional travel to conferences and meetings.