Lead Shelter Advocate

BASIC DUTIES: The Lead Advocate is expected to provide nurturing care and management of youth in every living requirement. Duties include but not limited to: completing intake and discharge paperwork, supervising recreational activities, supervising and helping with daily chores, participating in group outings, coordinating with volunteers, and maintaining client files. The Lead Youth Advocate assures that a positive, non-coercive, non-punitive and strength-based therapeutic milieu is maintained so that all children are treated with dignity and respect and are able to progress toward being safe and thriving physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

SURVIVORS ARE HIGHLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

DIRECT DUTIES
- Provides trauma-informed direct services to children including support, advocacy, crisis intervention, safety planning, parenting support, information, and referrals.
- Insures that all residents are closely monitored and supervised at all times.
- Participates in planning and implementing the activities of the shelter and individual residents.
- Insures that all specific duties unique to each work shift are completed (e.g., groups, laundry, meal duties, unit cleaning, etc.)
- Completes all required paperwork with clarity in a timely manner in line with program policies and procedures, including resident logs and incident reports.
- Maintains positive cooperative relationships will all team members.
- Makes appropriate decisions that assure children’s well-being and safety.
- Acts as a role model and sets example for team members regarding therapeutic intervention and caring for children.
- Reinforces program policies and procedures to direct the team decision making process.
- Directs and coordinates efforts of the team to assure that unit needs are met through appropriate staff assignments.
- Under the direction of the Manager, assists with the shadowing and orientation of new employees. This assistance includes answering questions, encouraging them to get involved, talking about the needs of children, explaining treatment approaches, and describing day to day processes and routines.
- Provides feedback to Manager regarding new employee performance and ongoing training needs.
- Regularly familiarizes self with information pertaining to the youth, unit dynamics, and activities by reading files, logs, unit calendar, etc.
- Must be able and willing to provide emergency hot-line counseling and suicide prevention support
- Supervise clients/volunteers in a positive, caring manner to make sure staff work together as a cohesive group
- Maintain confidentiality at all times regarding client and staff files and information about clients and/or staff
- Supervise, monitor and mentor youth clientele in a professional manner, in accordance with licensing (refer to Title 22) and policies of the agency; client safety is a priority and clients must be accounted for all times
- Facilitate groups with clients assigned by Shelter Manager
- Answer phones, take messages/make calls: follow up, referrals, parents / guardians

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Must have a genuine respect for and interest in youth and their families.
- Ability to put into practice all aspects of Positive Youth Development (training will be provided) and demonstrate respect for client's rights and safety.
- Former Foster Youth is a plus, but must be at least 21 years old.
- Must attend orientation
- Ability to complete the required training and incorporate the techniques taught
- Must be able to pass CPR and First Aid Training
- Pass a physical and a TB Test.
- Pass a background check, and be open and honest about any convictions
- Excellent computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office.
- Must have a valid driver’s license and vehicle with a valid registration and insurance, have a good driving record, and be willing to travel between offices and units during the workday.
- Have received at least the first dose of Covid-19 vaccination at employment time.

Pay: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

**Benefits**:

- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance

Patient demographics:

- Children

Schedule:

- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Evening shift
- Night shift
- Overnight shift
- Weekends as needed

Ability to Relocate:

- Phelan, CA: Relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: In person