Youth Advocate - Full Time

Summary of Role

At Youth Emergency Services, Inc. (Y.E.S. House), Youth Advocates serve as trusted, consistent adults for youth aged 12–18. The Youth Advocate provides structured supervision, emotional support, and mentorship while ensuring a safe, accountable environment for all clients. This role requires proactive leadership, strong decision-making, and clear communication to close gaps in knowledge, importance, and action — helping youth experience transformational growth and success.

Rationale: Clear expectations upfront ensure the advocate understands this is an active, leadership-based role, not passive supervision.

Work Schedule

• 40 hours per week
• Primarily evenings and weekends
• Flexibility required to meet program needs

Essential Responsibilities Client Support and Supervision

• Provide direct supervision of youth to ensure physical and emotional safety at all times.
• Model positive behaviors and mentor youth toward developing independent life skills, emotional regulation, and healthy decision-making.
• Utilize proactive intervention strategies to prevent escalation of behaviors and de-escalate crises when they occur.
• Document observations and incidents thoroughly and accurately to maintain clear communication with the treatment team.

Team Collaboration

• Communicate effectively with coworkers, supervisors, and treatment teams to ensure consistent care and unified approaches.
• Participate actively in shift change meetings, team briefings, and agency training opportunities.
• Support agency initiatives through teamwork, professionalism, and a commitment to shared goals.

Professional Execution

• Follow all agency policies and procedures with a focus on professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical standards.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of youth behaviors, incidents, and progress notes in agency records.
• Complete assigned trainings to maintain compliance with licensing, safety standards, and professional development goals.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 21 years of age
• Valid driver's license with insurable driving record 
• High school diploma or GED
• Ability to pass child abuse registry check, background checks, and drug/alcohol screenings
• Physical ability to lift 25–50 pounds and stand for extended periods
• Flexibility to work varied shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience working with youth and families in residential, community, or educational settings
• Demonstrated strong work ethic, reliability, and initiative
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and flex shifts to meet the needs of the program

Required Core Skills and Attributes

1. Confidentiality: Maintain strict confidentiality regarding all client and agency information.
2. Policy Compliance: Understand and adhere to all agency policies, procedures, and licensing standards.
3. Crisis Management: Apply effective crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and problem-solving strategies.
4. Judgment and Decision-Making: Demonstrate sound judgment when responding to client needs and emergent situations.
5. Team Collaboration: Actively contribute to a team environment; value collective success over individual achievement.
6. Communication Skills: Exhibit clear, respectful verbal and written communication with clients, families, and colleagues.

Success Measures for this Role

• Youth demonstrate measurable progress toward goals (safety, education, life skills, emotional regulation)
• Client crises are proactively de-escalated with minimal incident escalation
• Timely and accurate documentation is completed with zero significant compliance issues
• Active participation in team communication and staff meetings
• Professional behavior and role-modeling align with agency values every shift

Closing the Gap

At Y.E.S. House, we believe leadership, accountability, and execution define the success of every team member. As a Youth Advocate, you have the opportunity to close gaps for the youth we serve by consistently demonstrating professional commitment, proactive leadership, and compassionate care. 

We are seeking candidates who are committed to continuous personal and professional growth. During the interview process, we expect you to demonstrate a proactive mindset, self-awareness, and the ability to reflect on how you can contribute to our agency's success. This role requires individuals who are not only able to navigate challenges with maturity and responsibility but who are also eager to learn, collaborate, and improve over time. We value emotional intelligence and the capacity to build positive, supportive relationships. If you are ready to engage with us in a thoughtful, forward-thinking way, and to grow both personally and professionally within our organization, we encourage you to apply.