Advocate

Status: Part Time Hourly FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

Summary of the Position: Hourly, Part Time position serving youth and families throughout Clark County are available.

• Applicant must be dependable, committed, and able to serve as a positive role model for youth in the community, school and home settings.
• The Primary responsibilities of the Advocate are to initiate, organize, plan, develop and implement direct advocacy services to assigned participants and their families.
• All service plans will be based on a strength-based approach using the wrap around model.
• This position offers flexible hours, competitive weekly pay and activity reimbursement.

Qualifications/Requirements: A minimum High School Diploma or GED is required.

• Experience in community work and knowledge of community resources.

Position requires reliable transportation, valid driver's license, and current automobile insurance coverage.

• Assist program leadership in management of programs and participant services by working authorized hours and following all processes that impact fiscal success of the program.

• Maintain the appropriate advocacy hours via face-to-face contact as specified by the service plan

• Maintain the appropriate group/individual split as identified in the plans of each participant you are assigned to

• Utilize activity and contact fees appropriately and within specified limits

• Submits all required reports in a clear and legible manner to program leadership

• Prepare written communications including discharge reports as requested

• Complete outcomes entry/discharge forms as requested

• Provide quality services to youth and families at the levels specified to promote good outcomes.

• Ensure that the program(s) follow federal, state, local, and YAP documentation requirements

• Accurately complete all weekly documentation, such as activity reports, activity vouchers, and other required documentation, on paper or via Evolv as appropriate.

• Submit other documentation as required by the program

• Documentation is clear and accurate

• Documentation is submitted to program leadership at the designated time and place

• Promote YAP as a needed, valued, and credible resource in the broader community

• Under the program director's supervision, involve the appropriate community professional resources as determined by the participant's individual needs and the service plan.

• Connecting youth and families with the appropriate community supports based on their needs, strengths, and interests.

• Help youth and families repair and strengthen relationships with people, organizations, or systems within their community through advocacy, modeling, coaching, and negotiating

• Ensure individualized service plan is implemented through weekly purposeful activities with youth and families

• Assist with the design of the individualized service plan as requested through helping to assess the needs, strengths, and interests of assigned youth and families and through participation in child-family team meetings.

• Lead the implementation and revision of individualized service plans, through planning in partnership with youth and families a weekly schedule of purposeful activities that are based on the ISP.

• Communicate with appropriate individuals regarding the youth.

• Ensure that each assigned participant is participating in an appropriate education/vocational program. Ensure that the participant attends school and/or work on a regular basis

• Ensure that the participant has access to homework assistance and tutoring as needed.

• Take each participant to places of interest and introduce them to new activities and new ways of doing things.

• Ensure that activities coincide with the needs, interests, and wants of the participant and family as defined by the service plan and the Program Director. Be prepared to identify the family's changing needs and interests as the advocacy relationship progresses.

• Make necessary arrangements to acquire medical assistance coverage for eligible participants. Be aware of each participant's medical history, prescribed medications, disabilities and needs. Monitor the participant's nutritional needs and general health status.

• Assist each participant and family in identifying resources or people who can provide continued support beyond termination of advocacy services and develop linkages to those community resources and persons.

• Respond to emergency situations or special incidents by involving the participant or the participant's family as the need arises.

• Attend court hearings or other meetings as required.

• Plan appropriate group activities with assigned youth (if relevant).

• Engage the youth's family in services. This means addressing their concrete needs, supporting their relationship with their youth, advocating with them and/or on their behalf, and providing coaching, modeling, and general support.

• Attend and participate in staff activities.

• Attend weekly supervision sessions.

• Attend monthly staff meetings.

• Participate in other program activities as requested.

• Ensure all internal and external training is completed in a timely manner.

• Staff are required to meet the minimum training requirement set by the agency, state, and or local government.

• Complete YAP's Basic Advocacy Training Curriculum and other required training courses within defined timelines.

• Attend other ongoing training courses as required or by interest and within adherence to YAP's policies under the guidance and direction of the staff Supervisor.

• Ensure there is meeting/verbal communication at least weekly with program leadership that addresses both clinical and administrative elements of the work and builds an atmosphere of accountability and engagement.

• Participate in reviews of each youth's services plan as scheduled by the Program Director.

Benefits Available:

• Voluntary Dental
• Voluntary Vision
• UNUM Supplemental Benefits
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan.
• Employee Assistance Program
• Direct Deposit
• Competitive Weekly Pay
• Flexible Schedule

Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on individual merit, skills, and qualifications, without regard to race, age, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, military or veteran status, or disability or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where YAP operates. YAP will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.