Position Summary:     

The Youth Advocate provides assessment and advocacy for youth of survivors of domestic violence presently in the residential program. This position coordinates individual and group activities for resident youth that will contribute to optimal emotional and social development. This individual acts as a liaison with adult Advocates and community resources, as needed.
Job Specifications/Qualifications: (Min. knowledge, skills, and abilities required)

Education/Training (or equivalent):  H.S. Degree   College Degree*   Certification/License*

–       Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or related field preferred

–       CORE certification preferred

Experience (Type of work experience, min. number of years):

–       2+ years of experience in domestic violence field preferred.

–       3+ years of experience working with youth in an education environment.

Technical or Administrative Knowledge:

–       Knowledge of Microsoft Office Productivity Tools (MS Word, Excel, outlook, PowerPoint).

Special Skills and Abilities and/or:

–       Ability to work independently.

–       Ability to work with people in crisis and deescalate situations using verbal and nonverbal communication skills.

–       Excellent public speaking skills and ability to provide training in formal and informal settings.

–       Must possess a valid Florida Driver’s License and have reliable transportation.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations that do not cause an undue hardship on the company may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, as long as that would not hinder or prevent performance of duties, or be of a safety concern.

Key to denote % of time requirements necessary to perform essential functions of this job.

0% = Zero (O)         1-35% = Little (L)         36-70% = Moderate (M)         71-100% = Great (G)

– Physical Requirements:   Light: Lifting 0-10 lbs.    Moderate: Lifting 11-25 lbs.   Heavy: Lifting 25+ lbs.

L – Bending/stooping

L – Reaching above/below the waist

L – Pushing/pulling movements

L – Climbing stairs / ladders
L – Kneeling

L – Lifting

L – Operate motor vehicle

L – Operate various equipment

M – Standing

M – Sitting

M – Walking

G –Typing

G – Fine hand & finger movements

G – Color / Depth    perception

– Necessary traits for this position:  Seeing  Hearing  Talking*  Reading* Writing*

Basic comprehension of English language using the traits* marked above for purposes of safety, management direction and job responsibility, and minimal third party interaction.

Proficiency of the traits* marked above in the following languages for business letters, memos, customer interaction, presentations, demonstrations, employee direction, audits,  etc:  English Spanish French Other _________________

Job Functions, Unique Duties and Responsibilities:        

Essential Functions include, but are not limited to, the following:

General

• Follow the administrative guidelines and policies established by HVA.
• Maintain a community image consistent with the HVA mission.
• Engage in a relationship with The Haven of HVA Program Team, which is proactive, mutually beneficial, fosters teamwork, and advances the mission of HVA.
• Exercise due care and stewardship of resources which are given to HVA including equipment, food, money, volunteer and staff time.

Advocacy and Needs Assessment

• Assess needs of youth and develop a service plan within 72 hours of the guest’s arrival into Safe House.
• Provide comprehensive case management, which includes safety planning, advocacy, educating on healthy relationships and nonviolent behaviors, providing referrals, and support.
• Plan, schedule, and conduct sessions for youth, using approved curriculum.
• Provide individualized interaction with the children, including understanding their reactions to domestic violence.
• Instruct mothers in infant stimulation, parenting skills, childcare, and safe sleep.
• Assist with adult case management, as needed.
• Respond to phone during shift hours, respond to resident’s needs, and complete telephone assessments for shelter entry.

Program Support

• Regularly update team members regarding status of youth receiving services.
  Maintain record of daily activities of each youth, coordinating efforts with the parent’s Advocate, as needed.
• Collect, organize, and enter data into appropriate formats for the WS database and other funders’ databases weekly.
• Develop self-knowledge of issues domestic violence, laws, policies, and case histories.
• Participate in training opportunities including: the mandatory 24 hour DCF Core Training and 6 shadowing hours to be registered for confidentiality and privilege; maintain 17 hours of domestic violence training per year.
• Attend staff meetings and local community meetings.

Advancement/Community Relations

• Collaborate with other organizations and groups within the community to build partnerships and enhance fundraising activities.
• Assist in planning and coordinating events meant to raise funds (sanctioned events, community events, etc).
• Provide staff support at events, as needed.

Other

Maintain the youth room to ensure it is safe and clean, coordinating needed repairs with the supervisor.
Other duties, as assigned.