Youth Advocate

About the role

MVCAA is recruiting Youth Advocates to work with at‑risk youth, preschool age children and their families in Oneida, Herkimer and Madison Counties. The Youth Advocate provides information and services to meet the needs of youth, parents, family members and guardians, promotes social interaction and development of social skills, and advocates for the rights of children by collaborating with schools, educators, social workers, doctors, community organizations and local political leadership. This is a full‑time position in the Family Resources department.

Responsibilities

• Provide intake, assessment, mediation, case management and other assistance to youth requesting services.
• Interact with youth during outings and after‑school programs.
• Serve as a role model to youth during all interactions.
• Conduct assessments and write daily progress notes on customers, including behavioral progress.
• Transport clients.
• Facilitate group activities and access additional help when required.
• Organize and schedule activities at shelter and outings.
• Recruit youth for DDSO Program.
• Maintain up‑to‑date, complete and accurate files with all required documentation.
• Advocate for the rights of children and empower youth to advocate for themselves.
• Function as a team player, giving aid and assistance to co‑workers as needed.
• Input information to HMIS database system.
• Attend meetings and participate in training as directed.
• Provide 24‑hour service on a rotating basis after working hours via hotline phone (evenings, weekends, holidays).
• Mediate problems between youth.
• Incorporate a Trauma Informed Care approach to program delivery.
• Form professional, open, honest, and trusting relationships with youth.
• Educate to the needs and feelings of homeless youth and use effective strategies to assist them.
• Complete all documentation in files of assigned youth according to Federal and State regulations.
• Observe confidentiality according to Performance Standards and Agency Policy.
• Conduct recreation activities with groups in public, private, or volunteer agencies or recreation facilities.
• Perform other duties as requested by the Program Director.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma and minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience.
• Knowledge and experience working with families and children with low income and diverse cultures.
• Understanding of the needs and emotional needs of at‑risk youth and families.
• Knowledge of Family Court and Department of Social Service Regulations (beneficial).
• Basic knowledge of community resources in the counties the agency serves.
• Ability to effectively communicate with youth/families and outside agencies.
• Ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality and privacy.
• Adherence to agency personnel policies and procedures.
• Willingness to attend training and meetings as required.
• Basic computer literacy in email, word processing and internet navigation.
• Ability to move throughout the community and participate in outside events/sports activities.
• Successful background check, fingerprint screen, physical exam and TB test.
• First Aid and CPR certification.
• Valid NYS Driver’s License.

Pay

Rate of Pay: $18.00 per hour