Youth Advisory Council Member

POSITION TITLE: YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL 

Department: Admin 

Salary: $20/hr. 

Work Type: Part-Time/Contract

Job Snapshot

Children’s Law Center of California is seeking a Foster Youth Representation Initiative as a Youth Advisory Council. This position is specifically designed for individuals who were prior clients of CLC and who have firsthand experience navigating the foster care system. The Advisory Council is dedicated to elevating youth voices and influencing CLC’s practice standards and both internal and external policy. We are seeking passionate individuals who are committed to advocating for improvements in the legal representation and support of children, youth, and families impacted by the child welfare system. 

 Your Impact on the Mission – Excellence in Advocacy

• Attend at least 4 in-person  meetings per year (at Monterey Park office), or more as needed. *
• Conduct  youth surveys for current clients either in-person at Monterey Park,  Sacramento or Placer courthouses OR virtually
• Participate  in virtual meetings via Zoom a minimum of once per month or more  frequently, as needed, to discuss ongoing initiatives and strategy. 
• Provide  valuable insights and recommendations based on personal experiences within the foster care system.
• Assist in the development of policies and programs that address the unique needs of foster youth clients. 
• Develop and implement methodology and process for obtaining client feedback regarding their experiences. 
• Advocate for systemic changes at both local and statewide levels through public speaking engagements, media opportunities and legislative advocacy efforts. 
• Represent the Youth Advisory Council at relevant conferences, events and meetings. 

The Assets You Possess/Essential Qualifications

• Must reside in California.
• Must have lived experience as a former foster youth represented by CLC in Sacramento, Placer or Los Angeles, but must not still have an open dependency case.
• Committed to attending scheduled meetings and actively participating in discussions.
• Passionate about advocating for policy changes and improvements in legal representation for foster youth.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to articulate issues and recommendations effectively.
• Comfortable having nonjudgmental conversations with youth about sensitive topics.
• Willingness to collaborate with peers, legal professionals, and community stakeholders.
• Demonstrate leadership potential and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Access to reliable internet and proficiency in using Zoom for virtual meetings.
• Ability to travel to quarterly in-person meetings (meetings will take place on weekends; stipends for needs such as childcare will be considered on an individual as-needed basis). *Travel costs to attend meetings may be covered by CLC on a case-by-case basis.

Benefits Employees of CLC Enjoy:

• This is a temporary, independent contractor position. Hourly compensation is provided for participation in meetings and activities at the rate of $20/hr.
• Opportunities for personal and professional development, including mentorship, training, networking, and assistance with public speaking, advocacy, and leadership skills. 
• Meaningful engagement in creating positive changes for foster youth within the child welfare system and at the legislative/policymaking level.

About CLC

CLC is the largest children's legal services organization in the nation, advocating for tens of thousands of children and youth in Los Angeles, Sacramento, and Placer County foster care systems. We are a powerful voice for our clients, fighting in and out of the courtroom for family reunification, permanence, educational opportunity, health and mental health services, self-sufficiency, and overall well-being. We want all of California’s children to have the support they need to succeed. We work to accomplish this goal through direct legal representation for children, multidisciplinary advocacy and support, and public policy.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commitment : All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, individual with disability, medical condition, marital status, ancestry, military status, veteran status, protected veteran status, genetics or any other legally protected group status or non-job related characteristic of an individual as directed by law.

Equal Employment Opportunity—Reasonable Accommodation Assistance: Children’s Law Center of California is committed to maintaining an environment of equal opportunity. If you need a reasonable accommodation to access the information provided by this organization, please contact [email protected] further assistance regarding job postings.