JOB DESCRIPTION - Youth Advocate

Position: Youth Advocate

Wage: $19.84/hour - $21.21

Reports to: Program Manager

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Location: Visalia, CA

Supervises: N/A

Department: Rape Crisis Center/Human Trafficking Department

Language: English, Spanish preferred 

About Family Services
Family Services helps children, adults, families heal from violence and thrive in healthy relationships. We serve victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, child abuse, and other trauma through shelter, mental health services, and comprehensive support services. Our prevention programs also help stop the cycle of abuse. We are a private, nonprofit organization working to build a community of safe homes, safe relationships, and safe children—which means a safer, healthier community for everyone. Family Services offers salary and highly competitive benefits (medical, dental, vision, life, vacation, sick, retirement), commensurate with experience and skills. Family Services is highly committed to diversity and a workplace environment that respects, appreciates, and values employees from all backgrounds. We are a private nonprofit organization, founded in 1983. Learn more: www.fstc.net.

Summary: Advocates serve as a supportive and proactive resource for individuals and communities, ensuring their needs are addressed and their rights are upheld. The role involves providing guidance, support, and representation to clients, often in challenging or complex situations. Advocates work to empower their clients by helping them navigate systems, access resources, and make informed decisions.

Role Description: The main function of the HTYC is to facilitate a drop-in youth center that provides supportive services for Commercially Sexually Exploited Children (CSEC), and Child Welfare Services (CWS) involved children and youth at risk of exploitation, and Non-Minor Dependent (NMD) victims/at-risk youth and their families. 

Responsibilities:

• Youth Drop-In Center Facilitation: Facilitate and manage a youth drop-in center specifically for Commercially Sexually Exploited Children (CSEC) and those at risk for CSEC. Create a safe and supportive environment for youth.
• Program Development and Implementation: Develop and implement engaging activities, groups, and classes to support youth. Focus on harm reduction and life skills development essential for helping human trafficking (HT) victims achieve independence and self-sufficiency.
• Trauma-Informed Counseling: Provide crisis counseling that is both trauma-informed and culturally sensitive. Offer referral services to victims of human trafficking, addressing their immediate and long-term needs.
• Outreach and Education: Conduct human trafficking outreach and community education. Assist in the distribution of human trafficking awareness materials to raise awareness and promote prevention.
• Record Keeping and Reporting: Maintain accurate and detailed client files and service provision records. Prepare and complete monthly and annual reports documenting program activities and outcomes.
• Meetings and Training: Attend staff meetings, training sessions, and community, regional, or statewide coalitions, committees, and task forces as assigned. Participate actively in these forums to stay informed and contribute to collective efforts.
• Coordination with Service Providers: Develop and maintain linkages with Child Welfare Services (CWS) and other related service providers. Ensure effective coordination and collaboration to meet the needs of youth.
• Organizational Skills: Demonstrate strong organizational skills to effectively coordinate youth center services. Ensure that activities and services are well-organized and run smoothly.
• Communication: Maintain regular communication with the Program Manager regarding program needs, challenges, and updates. Address any issues promptly and collaboratively.
• Event Planning: Assist in organizing and implementing special events related to the program or for the benefit of the youth served.
• Diversity and Sensitivity: Understand and appreciate diversity. Be sensitive to the different experiences and lifestyles of the youth, ensuring that services are inclusive and respectful.
• Safety and Compliance: safely perform all tasks to avoid injury to yourself and others. Adhere to policies related to HIPAA, confidentiality, information sharing, and the appropriate use of the agency’s client database.
• Additional Duties: Fulfill other duties as assigned to support the goals and operations of the program.

Qualifications

• Education:  Bachelor’s degree, with an emphasis in social services, psychology, or a related field. Associate's degree and 6 months of experience in a similar field, or 2 years of experience in a similar field. Must possess, or be able to complete state-approved 40-hour training leading to certification as a sexual assault victim counselor. 
• Experience:  Previous experience in a similar role or related field, with strong skills in communication, problem-solving, and case management. Trauma-informed crisis counseling skills are preferred.  Knowledge of wide-ranging community resources.  Being bilingual in English/Spanish is helpful but not required.
• Skills: Excellent interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to handle sensitive information with discretion. Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge: Understanding of relevant laws, policies, and resources related to the advocate’s area of focus. Awareness of issues affecting the client population and the ability to navigate complex systems.
• Transportation:  Must possess a valid California Driver's License, availability of automobile for business use, and at least minimal auto liability insurance coverage as required by law.
• Additional Requirement: Must receive clearance from the Department of Justice Criminal Record Offender Information database.

DISCLAIMER: The above statements describe the general nature and level of work for this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and requirements. Responsibilities may change based on business needs, with reasonable accommodations provided as required.

To Apply: Complete our online application at www.fstc.net/who-we-are/careers/ or download and submit an employment application with a resume and cover letter by one of the following methods:

E-mail: hr@fstc.net