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YouthCare works to end youth homelessness and to ensure that young people are valued for who they are and empowered to achieve their potential. Founded in 1974, YouthCare was one of the first shelters to serve runaway and homeless youth on the West Coast. The goal was to help young people find safety today, and build a future for tomorrow. Over four decades, weve defined best practices and developed programs that are a national standard for excellence. Using a youth-centered approach, we ensure that young people experiencing homelessness ages 12-24 have the hope, skills, and confidence to gain long-term stability.
YouthCare is currently seeking a Safe Place Relief Advocate for Homelessness Prevention: In collaboration with the Safe Place Coordinator, the Safe Place Relief Advocate will provide support to the Safe Place program, answering the phone line and responding in-person to young people requesting shelter placement or family reunification. This position will provide relief support to the Safe Place program primarily during evenings and weekends on an as-needed basis. Safe Place Relief Advocates will be paid a stipend for the hours taking call, plus an hourly rate when responding to phone calls, providing an in-person response, and completing required paperwork following each call.
Safe Place is a program that quickly connects runaway and homeless young people ages 12-17 to services, either by reconciling them with their family or providing them with emergency shelter. Young people can go to any Safe Place site recognizable by a yellow diamond logo or call the 1-800 number, and within 45 minutes a Safe Place Coordinator will arrive to provide assistance. Safe Place in King County is part of a national runaway prevention/intervention model, National Safe Place, designed to divert young people from the streets and toward a safe alternative. In King County, the Safe Place program is run as a partnership between YouthCare and Friends of Youth.
Successful candidates will have:
6 months or more of experience providing direct service work with young people.
Ability to relate in an empathetic, supportive, non-judgmental manner to runaway young people and young people experiencing homelessness and their families.
Reliable car and the willingness to transport young people in your personal vehicle.
A valid Washington State Drivers License and driving record that meets or exceeds our insurance requirements.
Strong youth engagement and relationship-building skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently.
Ability to follow YouthCares Taking Call policy when providing occasional Safe Place coverage. Policy requirements are:
o No use of alcohol or any substance that would cause the staff member to be under the influence. Staff members taking call are expected to abide by YouthCares Alcohol and Drug Free Workplace policy as if on-duty.
o Maintain cell phone coverage for entire time period staff is taking call. Respond to calls and messages promptly.
o Be able to answer calls at any time and physically be present if necessary.
o Maintain the ability to be accessible for calls across King County within 45 minutes.
o Notify back up immediately in the event of an emergency or other situation that would not allow staff to maintain call
High School Diploma or GED
Experience and credentials must comply with program contract requirements including but not limited to DSHS background check and must be at least 21 years of age.
We offer competitive compensation, medical, dental, vision, paid leave, and transit subsidies! To learn more and apply for this opportunity, please click here: Safe Place Advocate
YouthCare is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit and business needs, and not on race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status, political affiliation, or any other factor protected by law. People of Color and Members of the LGBTQ community are strongly encouraged to apply.
