Housing Youth Advocate

Position Title: 

Housing Youth Advocate

Position Summary

The Housing Youth Advocate is responsible for providing resource and referral support to young people experiencing instability and/or homelessness. This person will assist youth in transitioning into, maintaining within, and transitioning out of the Supportive Housing Initiative (SHI). This person is responsible for working collaboratively with the Housing team to ensure youth have the individualized care they need to achieve their short-term and long-term goals of growth and stability. The position is highly relational with a focus on rapport, accountability, and resource navigation. 

Responsibilities

1. Program Services 
   
   
   
   1. Assist youth in SHI with identifying and achieving their goals in the areas of employment, education, transportation, health and wellness, vital document recovery, permanent housing, and more.
   
   
   2. Lead Housing Stabilization Plans for youth in SHI every 90 days
   
   
   3. Lead Life Skills Assessment for youth in Th every 90 days
   
   
   4. Hold regular hours at AYA to meet with youth referred to supportive housing
   
   
   5. Collaborate with Supportive Housing Manager to execute youth intakes, move-ins, disciplinary measures, and exits
   
   
   6. Collaborate with the Supportive Housing Manager to plan and execute events.
   
   
   7. Collaborate with HQ Youth Advocates to ensure services are aligned
   
   
   8. Connect youth in SHI with community resources and opportunities
   
   
   9. Implement AYA programs and initiatives, such as the transportation initiative and supportive employment initiative
   
   
   10. Hold regular hours at HQ to meet with youth referred to SHI
   
   
   11. Conduct Transitional Age Youth assessments and BIT thriving scales with referred youth
   
   
   12. Participate in Housing department hiring process and onboard new employees and mentors
   
   
   13. Ensure accurate and timely entry of data into youth information systems (Apricot, HMIS, etc.)
   
   
   
   


2. Communication
   
   
   
   1. Maintain effective communication with all levels of staff, mentors, and youth
   
   
   2. Attend House Mentor Dinners to maintain in-person connections with mentors
   
   
   3. Effectively communicate with Supportive Housing Manager about feedback and input from SHI youth 
   
   
   
   


3. Community Collaboration/Networking
   
   
   
   1. Network with local agencies and build partnerships through programs and initiatives
   
   
   
   


4. Property Management
   
   
   
   1. Conduct monthly health & safety inspections of the homes in collaboration with Supportive Housing Manager
   
   
   2. Assist youth in submitting online maintenance requests
   
   
   
   

Qualifications + Experience

1. General Requirements

• BSW or similar degree


• 2+ years case management, counseling, or related experience


• Experience working with diverse populations


• Understanding of trauma-informed care and how to implement with high needs youth


• Ability to work some non-traditional hours


• Ability to pass all required background checks


• Comply with the agency’s written employment policies

1. Preferences

• Lived experience and/or an understanding of youth homelessness, trauma and/or mental health/substance use concerns and knowledge of de-escalation techniques


• Case management experience within the housing sector


• Bilingual: Spanish/English, ASL


• Experience with HMIS administration

1. Additional Requirements

• Availability for professional development activities and community events outside of regular work hours

• Support other initiatives, strategies and duties as assigned by leadership

Equal Opportunity Employment:

A.Y.A. Youth Collaborative is an equal opportunity employer who strongly desires to build a team that accurately represents the diversity of our target population. We embrace differences in race, color, nationality, religion/culture, gender identity/expression, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, military status, or ability.