The Youth Advocate will provide academic support, communication strategies, behavioral guidance, and organize family events. support, guidance, mentoring, advocacy and psycho educational services to the youth in the program. The Youth Advocate primary goal is to successfully engage and connect with adolescents.

We are looking for a Youth Advocate who must have:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience navigating the education system and behavioral health and training, coaching and/or serving, as a mentor to other youth preferred
• Experience working with diverse populations and collaborating with a wide range of service providers.
• Educational background experience preferred.
• Must have valid driver’s license, ability to use personal vehicle for work purposes, and appropriate vehicle insurance.

Job duties and responsibilities include:

• Assist youth to find their voice and exercise their choice throughout their time in care.
• Assists in the treatment process and takes steps to reach treatment goals/plans.
• Provides culturally competent education and hands-on coaching to youth to help build social, emotional, and literary skills, including assistance with accessing community resources.
• Maintains accurate, timely, and complete case records.
• Manage a caseload of 10-15 youth.
• Conduct weekly visits and engage in structured activities that promote resilience and confidence. Youth Advocates will provide academic support, advocacy in school meetings, and assist with homework and goal-setting.
• Integrate Rebound and Recovery, Safety Planning, and Trauma Informed Care into service provision.
• Establish a healthy relationship with youth and family.

Job Essentials:

• Utilizes Motivational Interviewing to engage and empower youth in their case planning.
• Collaborate with schools, community leaders, and social services to expand opportunities and remove barriers.
• Facilitate weekly empowerment sessions focused on emotional regulation, decision-making, and life skills using evidence-based approaches such as CBT, Positive Youth Development, and trauma-informed care.
• Utilize natural and logical consequences to appropriately address youth social and emotional problems.
• Ability to learn and implement effective de-escalation skills with youth.
• Acts as a mentor and positive role model and assist in engaging youth in the wraparound services
• Attend professional meetings with youth to support their social, emotional, and academic needs.
• Able to drive daily to nearby locations for meetings or visits.

_ BAYS is a drug-free workplace. We prohibit the use, possession, or distribution of controlled substances on company premises or during work hours._