Youth and Family Advocate (YFA)

Description

Job Summary: As a Youth and Family Advocate (YFA) this person would work with families experiencing homelessness to increase the well-being of the whole family and assist parents in increasing stability and support for their children.

This position is Full-time, located in Shoreline, WA.

REPORTS TO: Shoreline Site Supervisor

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

• $20-$23 per hour DOE
• Health insurance for Employee only: Medical $80/month, Dental $11/month, and Vision $1/month. Separate rates for spouses/dependents. 
• Retirement plan with up to a 3% matching employer contribution
• 12 days of vacation (increases with tenure)
• 13 days of paid holidays
• Generous sick-leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Childcare Tuition Assistance

As a Youth and Family Advocate your responsibilities will be:

• Meets with children, parents and families to assist and support family with goals and individual development.
• Assists families in finding childcare, support services for children and other community resources.
• Facilitates and develops activities that promote family well-being, healthy relationships and fun.
• Provides advocacy-based support for families.
• Assists parents in engagement with children’s school.
• Provide parenting education and coaching.
• Assists in the facilitation and supervision of children’s programming, including: Homework Lab/Tutoring, childcare during adult classes, monthly activity nights, holiday events, and field trips/out of school activities.
• Assist in the training and support of volunteers who serve in the Children’s program.
• Assist in the provision and maintenance of 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 Site Supervisor any concerns with the health, safety or development of children. Report concerns about program participation and/or noncompliance with guidelines.
• Maintain confidentiality of resident families per Program policies/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:

• A.A. degree in social services, education, or comparable field preferred
• Experience working with children and families who are at risk and in crisis. 
• Experience working with diverse and/or special needs population and knowledge of homelessness, domestic violence, physical, sexual and emotional abuse and the effects on children. 
• Experience with administrative support.
• Understanding of trauma-informed care.
• Ability to discuss sensitive and difficult issues with parents.
• Ability to provide a safe and welcoming atmosphere.
• Personal characteristics: approachable, empathetic, flexible, discerning, creative.
• Computer skills: Word, Excel, Outlook. client/case note software experience (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 two evenings each week and have some flexibility in order to meet with families when children and parents are at home.
• CPR and First Aid Certification
• Must be able to lift and move 25 pounds.
• Must be able and willing to drive children to field trips/activities in an 11-passenger van.
• Active Christian faith and the ability to sign our Statement of Faith.
• MUST BE WILLING TO WORK A FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE.
• Varied days and evenings – will discuss

Salary : $20 - $23