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Social Advocates for Youth (SAY) is a leading provider of support and life readiness services to at-risk youth, ages 5-25, in Sonoma County. Social Advocates for Youth provides services in three areas: housing, counseling and career services. We are proud to have received the award for being “One of the Best Places to Work in the North Bay” in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, & 2020!
Job Title: Youth Advocate
Department: Housing
Reports to: Program Director
Status: Part Time/26 hrs. per week
Position Summary
SAY is dedicated to helping youth resolve homelessness and offers a number of housing and shelter options to transitional aged youth. Under the direct supervision of the Director of Housing at SAY, this position provides crisis counseling and long term supportive interventions to the youth in the program with focus on housing stability and skill development, maintains the safety and appearance of the facility at all times and represents SAY to any drop-ins. Available schedules is Sun-Tues 5pm-1am.
Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities:
Responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment during all program operations
Attend team meetings, individual supervision, and training
Provide immediate response to range of crisis presented by youth and families with focus on de-escalation, short term problem solving, improved decision making, utilization of healthy coping skills, and referral to services
Perform duties required to maintain neatness and cleanliness of the facility
Complete all necessary documentation including individual service logs, program communication log, incident reports, etc.
Monitor and enforce rules for program
Facilitate program life skill activities including cooking, cleaning, and yard work
Arbitrate disputes and provide a sounding board for complaints and concerns
Act as SAY ambassador to any drop-ins seeking services
Assist in following all legal and licensing regulations and requirements for program
Follow all emergency procedures to ensure safety of youth, families, and property
Perform other related duties as assigned
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Proven organizational and problem-solving skills
Proven ability to develop rapport and trust with youth and families
The ability to work with persons in distress who do not have healthy communication skills. Ability to handle expressions of and situations involving conflict and potentially agitated behavior, aimed at property, staff, clients and/or tenants
Demonstrated skills with various computer applications and data entry
Demonstrated strong communication skills, both written and verbal
Maintain strict confidentiality and boundaries related to client and other Agency
Availability to have a flexible work schedule
Ability to work independently with minimal direction
Demonstrated wide degree of creativity independent judgment
Minimum Qualifications:
High School Diploma or Equivalent required. Completion of 20 College units in Psychology, Sociology, or related field preferred
Experience working in residential or youth setting preferred
Experience working with youth and families preferred
Demonstrated awareness of, sensitivity to, and competence in working with cultural and socioeconomic diverse clients
Must have physical ability to actively complete all job duties
Must pass criminal background check and TB Screening
Physical, Environmental and Mental Requirements:
Physical: Frequently required to perform moderately difficult manipulative tasks such as typing, writing, filing, etc.
Must be able sit for extended periods, ascend/descend stairs.
Sensory: Frequently required to read documents, written reports, and plans.
Must be able to speak clearly and understand/be understood using the English language.
Cognitive: Frequently required to concentrate on moderate detail with frequent interruption. Must be able to attend to a task/function for 20-45 minutes at a time. Frequently required to understand and relate to specific ideas, several at a time.
Environmental Conditions: Frequent exposure to varied office and mixed (residential/office) environments. Occasional exposure to outdoors.
Equipment: Frequently required to use a computer, phone and copy machine.
Note: Must undergo twice monthly COVID testing, pass a criminal background and sanctions check, TB screening, and requirements to drive on SAY business.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, veteran status, and any other status protected by state or federal law.
