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Form of workCOVENANT HOUSE CALIFORNIA
Job Description: Youth Outreach Advocate (YOA)
Become a part of an exciting and dynamic organization that makes a difference in the lives of youth experiencing homelessness and trafficking ages 18-24 years old. Covenant House California (CHC) is a non-profit agency whose mission is to serve youth experiencing homelessness with absolute respect and unconditional love. As our direct care staff work with youth that are 18-24 years old, we require that applicants are at least 25 years old.
We are looking for applicants that have experience working with youth that have experienced homelessness, who have traumatic histories, identify as LGBTQ, are gender non-conforming and/or who often face multiple issues and have complex needs. This person will have knowledge and/or experience working with youth development programs, utilizing a harm reduction framework, using trauma informed practices and will value working with a multi-disciplinary team to create a safe inclusive environment for all. During these tough times CHC is committed to keeping our staff safe and healthy so all full-time employees who are hired will have benefits at date of hire. These benefits include- medical, vision, dental, life insurance and Long-Term Disability. Other benefits include pension, tax deferred annuity and a generous vacation package.
POSITION SUMMARY: The Youth Outreach Advocate plays a crucial role in engaging young people on the Covenant House California (CHC) waitlist, alumni and current residents. As a key point of contact, this role involves managing competing priorities and maintaining a positive, engaging attitude when interacting with young people, staff, donors, and community members. The Youth Outreach Advocate is responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of residents, staff, and visitors within the framework of the agency Mission Statement, Five Principles, and Policies and Procedures. Adherence to all agency policies, procedures, and practices is required.
Classification: Full-time, 40 hours per week
Pay Rate: $21.00 per hour
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Assist in engaging young people on the CHC Waitlist through various outreach activities and initiatives, and in covering the YSA in Safe Haven when needed.
- Provide professional "customer service" at all times, including on phone calls, interactions with youth, staff, vendors, and on the CHC paging system.
- Be the first point of contact with all youth coming into the agency.
- Engage in positive interaction with all youth, CHC staff, outside vendors, and guests, while maintaining appropriate boundaries and refraining from providing counseling services.
- Monitor reception desk, including answering phones with professional courtesy, directing callers to appropriate extensions or parties, and greeting residents, staff, guests.
- Sort and distribute mail for current residents and alumni, ensuring timely and accurate delivery and pick up.
- Track and maintain day outreach, outreach, and turn away data in ETO and HMIS.
- Keep track of activity around the entrance and inside buildings by regularly checking these areas. If you notice any unusual or suspicious events, please report them promptly to the management staff or person in charge (PIC).
- Plan and conduct monthly in-reach events for young people experiencing homelessness outside of the shelter, with the aim of providing outreach, support, and resources. The Youth Outreach Advocate will be responsible for coordinating the logistics of these events and ensuring their success.
Internal Checks - Assure all appropriate doors are locked.
- Report any damage/maintenance needs.
- Ensure that only appropriate persons are allowed access to the facility.
External Checks - Check perimeter for inappropriate activity.
- Report any damage/maintenance needs.
- Ensure the safety of agency and personal vehicles.
Work with youth in situations, such as assisting staff to resolve conflicts, inspecting resident belongings, and other duties as assigned. Use de-escalation techniques as necessary or summon help from staff or call 911 to protect residents and/or staff from harm. Assist as appropriate in any emergency situations and during crisis interventions.
Maintain an ongoing log of activity throughout the shift and document any Critical Incidents or Information reports. All documentation should be filed appropriately at the end of the shift.
Perform other duties as assigned by Management Staff and/or CHC Executive Staff, function as back-up coverage, as assigned.
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
EDUCATION: High School Diploma and/or equivalent preferred but not required. Bachelors degree preferred but not required.
EXPERIENCE: Must demonstrate a deep commitment to supporting young people experiencing homelessness and trafficking of all backgrounds. Lived expertise with issues directly impacting the young people we serve, such as a history of mental health support and service engagement, involvement in the child welfare system, probation system, or personal experiences of homelessness preferred. Must be a self-starter and team player with the ability to work with other staff members, young people, and the public. Must have turned 22 and/or exited out of CHC services for a minimum of 2 years.
SKILLS: Knowledge of adolescent development, community resources, and case management skills. Must have good organizational skills and the ability to communicate with young people, staff, employers and the public. Communication with and about young people must reflect a strength based and trauma informed approach. Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
TRANSPORTATION: Preferably has a valid CA Drivers License, reliable transportation and a good driving record, or the ability to navigate public transportation efficiently. Able to drive CHC vehicles, preferably.
WORKING CONDITIONS: General business/office environment. Must be able to lift to 40 lbs. on occasion, bend, sit and stand for prolonged periods of time. Some weekend/holiday work may be required. Full-Time 40 hours per week.
SUPERVISORY DUTIES: N/A
EQUIPMENT USED: Computers, calculators, fax machines, telephone, mid-size Van and other equipment required.
All Covenant House California staff is required to be fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19.
Covenant House California does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.
Covenant House California is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
