Youth Advocate (Youth Impact Center)
Position Title: Youth Advocate
Classification: Part Time or Full Time, Hourly
Reports To: Youth Impact Center Coordinator and/or Avenida Program Coordinator
Pay Rate: $18 - $22 per hour DOE
Location: Hollister, CA
Summary
Under the general supervision of the Youth Impact Center Coordinator and/or the Avenida Program Coordinator, the Youth Advocate (YA) will primarily support the Youth Impact Center (YIC) in Hollister, CA. The YA will be responsible for developing, implementing, supporting, and creating opportunities for youth voices to be heard. The YA will be responsible for supporting the Youth Impact Center and Avenida teams in coordinating the development and implementation of an in-school or out-of-school youth program that promotes youth leadership development, health and wellness, positive relationships, and educational and economic success. Using a relationship-based outreach model and culturally responsive healing within a youth development framework, the YA will engage, empower, and merge resources.
The YA will support one or both program teams depending on full time/part time availability. The Youth Impact Center team holds weekly drop in sessions, food pantry distributions, community outreach, cultural youth groups, listening sessions, and youth leadership events to support youth voice. The Avenida team provides outreach and services to transition-age youth at-risk of or experiencing homelessness in San Benito County. The Youth Advocate will assist one or both teams with navigating additional systems of care, including housing, homeless certification, community resources, connections to various service providers, and various social service agencies. The primary duties and deliverables include but are not limited to the following:
YOUTH IMPACT CENTER RESPONSIBILITIES:
Develop relationships with teachers and faculty at local schools/community colleges
Email supporters and partners to keep them informed on upcoming events
Prepare and coordinate regular meetings with youth members (e.g., workshops, meetings, team building, political education, healing, etc.)
Coordinate team of YA members to support high school youth work
Conduct regular outreach efforts in high schools and the community
Co-lead a youth summit or event with other youth, volunteer organizers and the Youth Equity Team
Organize at least one community event to raise awareness of Fentanyl and/or substance use
Develop youth leadership and organize community engagement events
Support YIC services including but not limited to food pantry distributions, drop in services, tutoring, school-based cultural groups, listening sessions, and other center activities
AVENIDA RESPONSIBILITIES:
Schedule and facilitate outreach activities for transition-age youth at risk of or experiencing homelessness on the streets of San Benito County
Meet and assist clients daily, via phone or in person, with receiving offered services (i.e. food pantry, clothing closet, laundry products, personal hygiene products etc.)
Document all contacts and outcomes in the internal database, data input/gathering as needed
Adhere to all local, state, and federal guidelines and laws (I.e HIPAA, OSHA, FLSA)
Connect youth to case management services for individuals in need of various outreach services
Support the Avenida Case Manager by completing assessments if necessary, including the YCAT assessment and transferring information into the HMIS database
Assist clients in completing housing applications and move in process as needed
Assist clients in completing job applications and job search process as needed (resume/cover letters)
Assist clients in completing public assistance applications (CalFresh, MediCal, General Assistance, CalWorks, WIC) process as needed
Maintain relationships with federal, state, and local agencies that serve as referral resources for clients
Coordinate the biweekly operations of the grocery pick up
Ensure the Avenida closet is well-organized / fully stocked with necessary items for clients at all times
Receive, inspect, and organize incoming donations and purchased goods, ensuring quality and safety standards are met
JOINT RESPONSIBILITIES:
Attend regular YA meetings as appropriate
Update YA folder with notes, sign-in sheets, and other/any other materials created
Submit bi-weekly work plans to Program Coordinators for approval
Youth organizing meetings as scheduled
Check ins with regional, local and statewide partners as needed
Participate in monthly coordinating committee check-ins
Attend leadership development trainings and support others in also attending
Support the development team by meeting grant deliverables, and reporting finances
Participate in regional coalitions for advocacy and a youth change agenda
Perform other tasks as assigned by department
Create and distribute informational materials such as flyers, brochures, and newsletters to raise awareness about the program’s offerings
Lead workshops and other outreach activities to engage with the target audience
Organize and participate in community events, fairs
EXPERIENCE AND JOB QUALIFICATIONS:
Understanding and/or commitment to advancing the mission of YA
At least 1 year of previous organizing experience or involvement with youth organizing initiatives
Ability to work closely and effectively with other people and organization
Have existing connections with schools in the area or the ability to make connections
Demonstrated commitment to immigrant, gender, and racial justice
Ability to work professionally in a deadline-driven environment.
Bilingual preferred but not required
Working knowledge of issues facing unhoused and at-promise youth
Experience working with strength-based/client-centered models, restorative and trauma informed care
Excellent organizational skills, communication skills, and detail oriented
Experience with outreach and desire to grow in grassroots organizing skills
Relationship management skills and creating collaboration among partner organizations
BENEFITS (FOR FULL TIME EMPLOYEES):
Healthcare insurance options, dental, vision, retirement, life insurance policy, FSA (flexible spending account) and more!
+11 PTO Days, 12 Holiday Days
YA provides 2 additional "rejuvenation days" in December
Professional Development Assistance
Employee Assistance Program
Yearly Staff Retreat/Team Building, Staff Appreciation events, and other YA Events.
Flexible Work Schedule (dependent on supervisor approval based on positional / departmental needs)
Opportunity for Employee Referral Bonuses
LICENSE/REQUIREMENTS:
Reliable transportation with valid California driver’s license, current insurance, and clean DMV record. Driving youth & clients may be required for this position.
Ability to obtain CPR/First Aid certification and mandated reporter training.
Ability to pass DOJ/FBI background check and TB test.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Standing, Walking, Pinching and Finger Flexion, and Visual/Auditory Acuity are required constantly (over 2/3 of the workday)
Lifting up to 25 pounds, carrying, pushing, pulling, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, twisting and sitting are required occasionally (under 1/3 of the workday)
Balancing, Climbing and Crawling are generally not required.
This position requires flexible hours as some meetings and program activities may occur outside of normal office hours, on weekends, and in various locations within and outside the County.
To Apply:
To apply to this position, please send your resume and cover letter to careers@youthall.org
Youth Alliance | 310 Fourth St., Suite 101 | Hollister, CA 95023 | (831) 636-2853
YOUTH ALLIANCE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Youth Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer and herein reiterates its policy of Equal Opportunity for all qualified individuals without distinction or discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, political affiliation or belief.
Youth Alliance | 310 4th Street, Ste 101 Hollister CA 95023 (831) 636-2853
Youth Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer