Youth Advocate

Description

Wage band range $17.00 - $24.00; however, starting pay is ultimately determined by the scope of the position, the candidate's relevant experience, and internal equity. Bilingual in Spanish, preferred and position is eligible to test for a bilingual pay incentive.

Under the direction of the UPLIFT TAY Program Supervisor, the youth advocate is responsible for providing support to Casa Pacifica youth and alumni, in relation to their transition and eventual exit from the foster care system. This includes participating in on-campus activities, such as child family team meetings, as well as maintaining relationships with community supporters and organizations.  The Youth Advocate will also support youth/young adults with duties outlined within the TYS program. The Youth Advocate carries out the mission of Casa Pacifica as it pertains to the activities of the Development office including administrative support when needed, media involvement, conducting tours of the facility, and serving as a representative of Casa Pacifica at community events, including speaking engagements.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (illustrated by typical activities):

• Supervises, protects and cares for the youth individually and in groups.
• Provides assistance to each youth working within a group and handling individual problems.
• Administers discipline and sets limits for behavior.
• Notates the youths progress (through strengths based approaches); identifies the possible need for professional services and communicates such findings to professional staff.
• Develops and maintains relationships with transitional age youth on campus and mentors and guides their transition to extended foster care or back into the community. Participates in child family team meetings, encourages 15 ½ , 16, and 17-year-olds to enroll in Independent Living Program, assists youth 16-18 with job preparation (transporting to interviews, filling out job applications, assisting with resume writing, and helping them acquire proper documentation).
• Informs youth on campus about the Independant life skills classes (ILS) and encourages participation.
• Maintains relationships with transitional age youth on campus by taking them out on outings.
• Attends and coaches youth on participating in the child family team meetings for those 16-18 years. Understands this meeting should be driven primarily by the youth, these meetings identify a team of people who will be supportive of the youth once transition has occurred. Youth Advocate participates in the meeting helping to identify goals, needs, and concerns of the youth then helps to formulate an action plan. Youth Advocate makes sure to follow up before youth’s 18^th birthday or transition occurs.
• Oversees/facilitates campus Participant Advisory Council – facilitates the leadership of youth through their participation in Participant Advisory Council. Helps Participant Advisory Counci members plan on-campus events, such as dances and volunteer opportunities, as well as oversees Participant Advisory Counci involvement when partnering with the Angels and Amigos Auxiliary Boards for special campus activities.
• Facilitates, co-facilitates and supports groups for youth including but not limited to Planned Parenthood classes and Commercially Sex Education Curriculum (CSEC). They will help coordinate meetings, room set up and clean up and huddle the youth to attend.
• Maintains relationships with Casa Pacifica alumni – both transitional and emancipated youth. Can include taking youth who have been moved to a new placement out on a day pass to maintain relationship. The Youth Advocate provides information to alumni in five major areas:  housing, education, employment, transportation, and health. The goal is to help alumni become self-sufficient. Youth Advocates also provide support to alumni – emotional and otherwise – when they experience difficult times.
• Participates in the TYS program by supporting youth/young adults with emotional support, provide information for community resources, and education surrounding Assembly Bill 12 Extended Foster Care (AB12). The Youth Advocate will specifically comply with mandates and objectives listed in the TAY contract and will gather, organize, record, and do out reach for youth/young adults in need of information regarding AB12.  He/she will also attend staff meetings, trainings, and the Road to Independence event.
• Offers support with TYS Drop in Center and will attend scheduled hours to help maintain and monitor facility.  Will assist Drop in Center participants with accessing resources, trouble shooting technical issues, learning how to properly operate equipment, and provide an orientation to Center operation and expectations.
• Maintains leadership position with the Ventura Chapter of California Youth Connection (CYC) –Youth Advocate encourages Casa Pacifica’s youth and alumni to get involved with CYC. This organization encourages its members (current and former foster youth) to become self-advocates, fostering youth empowerment to effect a positive change in the foster care system.
• Youth Advocate maintains consistent partnerships with community resources and agencies such as:  Human Services Agency, Independent Living Program, Transitional Housing Program-Plus, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Kiwanis, Community Colleges, Casa Pacifica Amigos Auxiliary, Casa Pacifica Angels Auxiliary, and the Office of Education-Foster Youth Service, etc.
• Acts as Public Speaker – this includes, when asked, speaking at conferences such as the Education Summit, Association of Residential Centers (ACRC), California Mental Health Advocates for Children and Youth, the CMHACY Conference, or at Casa Pacifica fundraising events.
• May serve on off-campus committees as part of maintaining community relationships such as the Blue Ribbon Commission, Pathways Committee, ILP Case Review, Partnership for Safe Families and Communities, and Youth Engagement and Development.
• May serve on other statewide initiatives such as Building Bridges, Association of Residential Centers (ACRC), and others representing youth voice and advocating for “family driven youth guided care”. 
• Assists Development Office – this includes helping at major fundraising events such as the Wine & Food Festival or Spotlight on Style Fashion Show, sharing mentor and volunteer information, providing tours of campus, participating in community outreach events, or representing Casa Pacifica at community events. Also includes assisting with set-up or clean-up of Children’s Events such as the Holiday Party, Prom, and Halloween.
• Assists other Development staff as needed, including assistance with projects, meetings, events, etc.
• Practices cost-effective measures as they pertain to administration.
• Youth Advocate maintains confidentiality with respect to personnel, operations, and clients.
• May perform other duties and projects from time to time.
• Needs to be organized and able to function well in a busy environment where lots of things are going on at once.
• Must be able to switch gears easily.
• Needs to be able to think ahead and address issues before they arise – problem solve.
• Needs to have a professional and diplomatic demeanor with people.
• Must be former foster youth.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Associate degree (AA) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school to include emphasis in word processing/ secretarial support; or equivalent combination of education and experience, preferred.

CREDENTIALS: Word processing certificate, preferred.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Ability to type 35-40 wpm and use various types of computer software and computer hardware to include word-processing and spreadsheets. Strong organizational and secretarial / clerical skills are essential. Ability to manage several projects at one time.

Language Skills: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals.  Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.

Valid California Driver's License with excellent driving record.

Casa Pacifica offers:

• Comprehensive benefits package, including 401k with up to 5% fully vested employer matching contributions made after first year of service
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance options
• Flexible spending and dependent care programs
• Excellent training opportunities
• Education/tuition assistance programs
• Group Discount Pet Insurance
• Aflac Critical Illness, Accidental & Dental supplemental plan options
• Employee Assistance Program
  • Free Confidential Crisis Line 24/7 (365 days a year)
  • Four face to face or telephonic sessions per issue, i.e.,
    • Stress, Anxiety, Depression
    • Life transitions
    • Grief and Loss
    • Divorce
    • Conflict Resolution
    • Substance Abuse
    • Work-Life Counseling
    • Free Legal and Financial consultations
    • Identity Theft Recovery Services

Casa Pacifica restores hope, enhances resilience, and strengthens community connections for children, young adults, and families.

We are a diverse and inclusive team providing excellent services to all our communities. Our team members are empowered to share their identities, ideas, and perspectives. A culture built on diversity, equity and inclusivity is essential to creating a safe and healing environment at Casa Pacifica.

Casa Pacifica is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. All applicants will be given full consideration under state, local, and federal law.

Salary : $17 - $24