Youth and Family Advocate

Job Type

Full-time

Description

About Us: Vision House is a nonprofit Christian organization helping families with children break the cycle of homelessness. Through transitional housing, programs and supportive services, we provide families in Washington State with opportunities for life change to overcome trauma, generational poverty and situational homelessness. Regardless of race, religion, national origin, gender or sexual preference, every person deserves a healthy home.

Job Summary: The Youth and Family Advocate (YFA) works closely with families experiencing homelessness to promote the well-being of both parents and children. The YFA supports families in achieving stability by providing advocacy, connecting them with community resources, and facilitating family-centered activities. The role focuses on increasing family engagement, supporting child development, and enhancing the overall well-being of each family in the Vision House transitional housing program.

REPORTS TO: Family Program Site Manager

HOURS: 40 hours per week, hourly, Monday-Friday based on program needs

LOCATION: Shoreline, WA

Our new Youth and Family Advocate will enjoy the following benefits:

• Starting Pay: $21.00-$24.00 per hour DOE
• Health insurance coverage: Medical $30-$100/month, Dental $11/month, and Vision $1/month. Separate rates for spouses/dependents.
• Retirement plan with up to a 3% matching employer contribution
• 3 weeks of paid vacation (increases with service)
• 13 days of paid holidays
• 9 days of Sick Leave (Separate from PFML & FMLA)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Generous Childcare Tuition Assistance

At Vision House, we serve populations from a variety of backgrounds. We strongly value diversity and actively seek applicants that will balance our employment workforce to align with the populations we serve. Questions regarding our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion can be directed towards our HR department.

As a Youth and Family Advocate you will:

• Meet with children, parents and families to assist and support family with goals and individual development.
• Assist families in finding childcare, support services for children and other community resources.
• Facilitate and develop activities that promote family well-being, healthy relationships and engagement in fun, enriching experiences.
• Provide advocacy-based support for families.
• Assist parents in engagement with children's school.
• Offer parenting education, coaching, and support to enhance parenting skills and family dynamics.
• Assist in the facilitation and supervision of children's programming, including: Homework Lab and Tutoring, childcare during adult classes, monthly activity nights, holiday events, and field trips and out-of-school activities.
• Train and support volunteers who serve in the Children's Program.
• Assist with maintaining and implementing Youth and Family Program policies and procedures.
• Assist with the preparation of statistics, evaluations and other program data if needed.
• Collaborates with other organizations to ensure best practice for residents needing community-based support services.
• Participate in weekly supervision and case staffing meetings.
• Report to Family Program Site Manager any concerns with the health, safety or development of children. Report concerns about program participation and noncompliance with guidelines.
• Maintain confidentiality of resident families per Program policies and procedures.
• As a mandated reporter, report observed or suspected child abuse or neglect to Child Protective Services.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Youth and Family Advocate candidates should have the following qualifications:

• Preferred Education: A.A. degree or higher in social services, education, or comparable field.
• Experience working with children and families who are at risk and in crisis.
• Experience working with diverse and/or special needs populations, with knowledge of homelessness, domestic violence, and the effects of trauma on children. Administrative experience, with the ability to manage case notes and program documentation.
• Understanding of trauma-informed care.
• Ability to discuss sensitive and difficult issues with parents.
• Ability to provide a safe and welcoming atmosphere.
• Personal qualities of approachability, empathy, sensitivity, flexibility, and creativity.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and experience with client/case note software (e.g., Apricot).
• Valid Washington State Driver's License, good driving record and reliable transportation.
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff in a participatory environment.
• Ability to work one to two evenings each week and have some flexibility in order to meet with families when children and parents are at home.
• Must be able and willing to drive children to field trips/activities in an 11-passenger van.
• Must be an active follower of Christ and have the ability to sign our Statement of Faith.
• Ability to pass background check.

Physical Demands/Work Requirements:

• Must be able to lift and move 25 pounds

Vision House is a Christian service agency. Applicants will have employment eligibility verified with E-Verify.

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