Youth Advocate, Napa CPS/Peer Support

$45,760 - $54,912/Yr

Stanford Sierra Youth & Families - Napa, CA

Full-time - Entry Level

Napa, CA

About the position

The Youth Advocate position at Stanford Sierra Youth & Families focuses on providing support and advocacy for youth with serious emotional disturbances. The role involves engaging with youth and their families to navigate public systems such as mental health, child welfare, and juvenile justice, while promoting self-regulation and communication skills. Youth Advocates participate in various meetings, provide education and support, and contribute to program development by ensuring that the voices of youth are heard in decision-making processes.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the youth intake process to inform youth about advocacy and support services.
• Coach and educate youth on communication, system navigation, and self-regulation skills.
• Participate in Child and Family Team (CFT) meetings to assess strengths and challenges of families.
• Provide parenting support and link families to community resources.
• Facilitate peer-to-peer connection groups for youth and families facing similar challenges.
• Offer ongoing education and support groups for families.
• Participate in agency-wide program meetings and provide youth perspectives on service delivery.
• Provide feedback and training to staff on youth voice and cultural sensitivity.
• Participate in the hiring process for new employees, assessing their sensitivity to youth issues.
• Engage in community advocacy and participate in relevant trainings and committees.
• Assist families and youth with the grievance and complaint process.

Requirements

• Experience as a youth with serious emotional disturbances receiving services in public systems.
• Minimum of a High School Diploma or GED.
• Basic knowledge of Public Mental Health, Child Welfare, and Education systems.
• Ability to advocate on behalf of clients in navigating and negotiating systems.
• Previous experience with advocacy, outreach, and community resources preferred.

Nice-to-haves

• Bilingual in Spanish (additional $1,500 bonus for Spanish speakers).
• Time management skills.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Documentation skills.
• Flexibility in schedule.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proof of automobile insurance.

Benefits

• $1,000 Hiring Bonus for new employees.