Youth Advocate

Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED required. Two years of college preferred.
• Licensing requires staff to be at least 21 years of age and older.
• Experience working in a social service setting preferred.
• Ability to accept supervision and work with a team of co-workers.
• Ability to work well with youth of diverse cultural and socioeconomic groups, respect confidentiality, able to work within ethical and legal parameters of social services.
• Willingness to support the philosophy, goals, mission, and objectives of The Salvation Army.
• Must pass the background checks.
• Must complete CPI, CPR, and First Aid within 90 days of the date of hire.
• Must have the ability to operate a computer, use a keyboard to enter information.
• It must be understood by the incumbent that the provisions of Safe From Harm will apply upon commencement of employment and also understood that the required Safe From Harm training be satisfactorily completed within the first thirty (30) days of employment.

Summary of Position

The major function of the Youth Advocate is to assist and respect youth at Booth Brown House shelter and housing programs. This is accomplished by spending quality time with youth, planning programming that enhances youth independence, and supporting office and clerical tasks of the program. Youth Advocates also assist with promoting positive program dynamics, supporting youth with program expectations and emotional support to youth.

This is a Full-time position. Thursday - Sunday 12am - 9:30am

1471 Como Ave West, St. Paul, MN 55108

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a manner that fosters and maintains positive relationships with co-workers and supervisors. This should include, but not necessarily be limited to such actions: resolution of conflicts in a positive manner; courteous treatment of staff, clients and visitors; respect of others' property and person, professional and appropriate communication to and about co-workers, supervisors and subordinates. Support the Mission of The Salvation Army by treating every donor, contact and colleague appropriately and without discrimination of any kind.

General Youth Care

• Meet and greet all youth in a professional and courteous manner.

• Develop and maintain positive relationships with youth.
• Orient new youth to the rules of policies of Booth Brown House programs.
• Professionally communicate positive and problematic observations about youth.
• Assist with the storage of belongings left by youth and the return or disposal of their belongings 60 days after discharge.
• Support youth in working towards their self-identified goals.
• Assist youth in locating resources and services within the community.
• Facilitate groups, activities and classes as appropriate that foster positive youth development and independent living skills.
• Create an environment where youth are able to optimize their life chances and raise their self-esteem.
• Approach from a non-judgmental standpoint.
• Complete Ramsey County paperwork for funding purposes
• Conduct Shelter Intakes
• Discharge youth from shelter program
• Other duties as reasonably requested.

Reporting and Documentation

• Maintain accurate, professional, and non-judgmental entries in the Communication Logs and daily charting.
• Read all pertinent communications, including but not limited to daily logs, meeting notes, safety plans, etc.
• Complete all other necessary paperwork, such as incident reports and all other relevant stats as directed.

General Administration

• Maintain positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a manner that fosters good relationships with co-workers. This would include, but is not limited to such actions: resolution of conflicts in a professional manner; courteous treatment of staff, visitors and clients; respect of others' property and person and professional and appropriate communication to and about co-workers, and subordinates.
• Arrive to work on time. Uphold current policies regarding proper notification when missing a shift.
• Attend educational opportunities when appropriate.
• Participate in supervision meetings.
• Full-time staff are required to attend all monthly staff meetings and in-services. Any absence must be pre-approved by supervisor.
• Answer telephone pleasantly and efficiently. Identify calling party and transfer to appropriate staff or provide general information. Screen and identify incoming visitors to the building.
• Any other duties as reasonably required.

• Answer phone for FHPAP Grant. Track required statistics and update YSN for BBH shelter and Safe House shelter.

Program Safety

• Utilize effective conflict resolution techniques to de-escalate situations, if needed.
• Support youth in abiding by program policies and expectations to assist them to maintain their housing and live within community. Equally apply reasonable consequences to youth in the program.
• Monitor the building, residents and guests by completing frequent rounds and reviewing of cameras as needed.
• Ensure shelter has staff supervision during operating hours.
• Assist with random urinalysis.
• Read and abide by all safety plans and behavior contracts established for youth.
• Contact emergency personnel and on-call supervisor as appropriate during crisis situations.
• Tend to all safety concerns in a timely manner.

Property Upkeep

• Clean and disinfect any area that is contaminated by a youth's body fluid in a safe and prompt manner.
• General housekeeping in shelter and housing programs. This would include, but not limited to: youth common spaces, staff offices, laundry rooms and shelter bedrooms/bathrooms.
• Clean and prepare apartments between tenants.
• Inventory, pack and store youth belongings as needed.
• Ensure that all soiled Booth Brown House laundry is washed, dried and appropriately stored.
• Assist with snow/ice removal at all building entrances and sidewalks.
• Complete maintenance requests as needed.
• Submit requisitions for office and cleaning supplies as needed.

Working Conditions

Booth Brown House serves youth who have experienced extremely traumatic events and at times staff will have to handle very stressful interactions with youth and/or staff. Staff may experience vicarious trauma and need to be very mindful of their own boundaries and triggers. It is always encouraged to seek support and guidance from co-workers and administrative staff.

Staff will use equipment (i.e. snow blower, vacuum, etc.) and cleaning agents that may be hazardous if used incorrectly. Occasionally unpleasant physical working conditions such as working outside in inclement weather for brief periods of time can be expected. The essential duties and responsibilities of this position cannot be performed from home.