Peer Youth Advocate - HOH (Over 18 Housing Services)

Please apply for this position directly on our website:https://cho.tbe.taleo.net/cho02/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=YOUTHCARE&cws=39&rid=1121

ABOUT YOUTHCARE: 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 programs 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, we’ve 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.

NON-MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES ARE REPRESENTED BY THE OFFICE AND PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL UNION (OPEIU).

POSITION SUMMARY: Under the supervision of the Program Manager 1, the Peer Youth Advocate is responsible for the daily management of the program site. All housing programs are open 24/7 and per agency licensing requirements, programs must maintain safe staff and client ratio to provide services to our clients. In conjunction with other staff, the Peer Youth Advocate’s task is to create a safe and caring environment for vulnerable young people in residence who are preparing to transition to become more self-sufficient. The position requires an individual who can actively contribute to a positive, stable, responsive and responsible environment for change. A Peer Youth Advocate is defined as a person self-identified as currently or formerly receiving services for homelessness.

Provide on-site supervision, while maintaining professional boundaries in providing crisis intervention and counseling to residents. Must learn and apply positive behavior modification techniques and model effective de-escalation and problem-solving skills.

Act as a professional representative of YouthCare and maintain a professional working environment (office, personal workspace, agency vehicle, etc.).

Maintains a flexible work schedule (filling shifts on some weekends, early and/or late hours) and must be willing to be cross-trained in providing support with shift coverage in on-call basis for the program and the agency, as required by individual program needs.

Complete thorough intake process with clients and review files for all required paperwork. Participate in YouthCare's research and evaluation component. Be responsible for obtaining client consent and participation in the completion of standardized test(s) used to evaluate client's clinical profile and the program's effectiveness.

May be required to accompany clients to foodbank, DSHS, wellness appointments, obtaining basic services through Washington Connection, life skills outings, court appointments, etc.

Work collaboratively with other YouthCare programs, families, school district professionals, DCFS/DLR personnel, staff from other agencies, etc. This position requires that you assist, support and communicate with Career Coordinators, Case Managers, Program leadership, Full, Part time, and On-call Youth Counselors in engaging young people in participating on developing and following individualized education, employment and life skill plans and activities.

With direction from Program Manager 1 and Program Manger 2 help plan for, direct and/or provide support for clients navigating to permanent housing.

Act as a “primary or tie” to at least two residents or more in the program, working more intensively with them on development of life skills and their plans for independent living. Instruct and assist youth in self-care skills/tasks, including personal care and preparing food for meals and snacks in accordance with posted menus. May be required to assist in packing client belongings and cleaning and sanitizing of exited bedrooms.

Actively engage clients outside of Tie meetings in creative, fun, and enriching activities. Maintain program as a welcoming and inclusive space.

Attend, fully participate, and coordinate wrap around team meeting with internal and external service providers/support networks for client support.

Attend and fully participate in meetings and training sessions as required.

Engage and participate in staff meetings and be an instrumental team member in supporting young people, by communicating effectively with all program staff, program participants, personnel from other agencies and visitors.

Oversee the safety and cleanliness of the facility. Perform light janitorial work, including vacuuming carpets; taking out trash; sweeping/mopping floors; and similar tasks. Compile maintenance requests and submit to Program Manager II / Maintenance Staff as needed.

Maintain accurate case records. This includes the bimonthly contact sheets, independent living skills checklist and daily staff log. Complete all necessary evaluation tests with assigned residents at graduation. Ensure all client-related data is both current and accurate in the YouthCare’s Evaluation System (YES).

Dispense medication (as needed), and complete related documentation. Perform nightly medical reconciliation and update med binder forms and complete all required documentation according to individual program procedures and timelines.

Complete incident reports on any facility damage, medical emergencies or any incident which occurs out of the ordinary daily functioning of the house.

This job description is not intended to cover every aspect of your job at YouthCare. We are a team that works together to meet the needs of our clients and every member of the team is expected to pitch in and help even beyond the specific responsibilities listed in this description.

QUALIFICATIONS –

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Must have lived experience accessing services for homelessness.

1 or more years of experience successfully working with vulnerable young people or young people in a crisis, during outreach efforts or in residential setting.

High School Diploma or GED

Experience and credentials must comply with program contract requirements