Youth Advocate, JJIS

Stanford Sierra Youth & Families provides a continuum of care to empower youth and families to overcome challenges together, as well as connects youth in foster care to the permanent loving families they need and deserve. We support the entire family with professional treatment and compassionate care, so every youth has the opportunity to thrive at home, in school, and in the community. Those we serve are able to heal, learn life skills, and build relationships through our research-based, family-centered, targeted approach.

We are offering a $1,000 Hiring Bonus + an Additional $1,500 for Spanish Speaking candidates!

DESCRIPTION:

Youth Advocates are people with personal experience participating in the system of care as a consumer and/or as a parent/caregiver, and have the skills, training and experience to perform the functions of their role. Youth Advocates (YA) have four key functions: (1) to make youth equal partners -if not leaders- in the development and implementation of their service plans; (2) to represent the needs and perspectives of youth to internal and external stakeholders and decision makers within the system of care; (3) to ensure that youth have access to a comprehensive array of prevention and support services that meet their individual needs; and (4) to ensure that these services are family-centered, easily accessible, respectful of cultural, ethnic and other community characteristics, and stigma free. For the most part, the roles and functions of the Family Partner and the Youth Advocate are the same. According to Sacramento County Policy, “the primary difference between a Youth Advocate and a Family Partner is that the youth serves as a voice for youth in planning and policy making, whereas the Family Partner serves as an advocate for parents/caregivers and considers the whole family in system planning.” Youth Advocates perform these functions through the tasks, roles, and responsibilities described below. Supports the Mission, Vision, and Values of the agency.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience as a youth who had previously received services within the public systems, including: mental health, child welfare (CPS) or juvenile justice

According to the Sacramento County Policy, “The ability to relate to youth and to be seen as a positive role model is essential.”

Basic knowledge of Public Mental Health/Child Welfare/Education systems, and the ability to advocate on the behalf of clients in navigating and negotiating those systems

Previous experience with advocacy, outreach, and community resources preferred

Ability to work flexible working hours, including evenings and some weekends

Sensitive to multicultural issues

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Program Intake

Coaching and mentoring

Outreach

Mutual Support and Education Groups

Participation in agency wide program meetings, gamily team meetings and management decisions

Staff consultation and training

Participation in the hiring process

Community advocacy

Please follow the link below if you would like to apply online - please complete the application and upload your resume to our Job Opportunities Page: