Organization Background:
Briarpatch Youth Services has an exciting job opportunity for a skilled professional. The agency is a dynamic non-profit community organization that has served Dane County since 1971. Briarpatch provides a broad array of services to more than 2,000 youth annually who have runaway, are experiencing homelessness, are justice involved, or facing other challenges.
Youth Shelter Advocate – Flexible Shift
Days/Hours:
We are seeking to increase our part-time staff pool. Scheduling occurs monthly.
This Advocate would work between 16-24 hours per week.
Available shifts will include a focus on Weekend AM/PM (Saturdays and Sundays), with Weekday PM (Monday-Friday) being additional opportunities.
Type:
Part-Time
Weekend hours focused, with potential of additional weekday opportunities
Exempt/Non-Exempt:
Non-Exempt
Pay Range:
Starting pay is $22.50 per hour. Additional compensation may be available based on demonstrated bilingual abilities,
job-related advanced degrees, and professional experience.
Work Location:
2720 Rimrock Road, Fitchburg, WI 53713
Deadline to Apply:
5/22/2026
Description:
The Briarpatch Youth Shelter is recruiting a part-time Advocate to work in our temporary shelter for youth who have runaway or are experiencing homelessness. This position is essential and requires you to work on inclement weather days and some holidays.
Duties:
- Records documentation of client services and required paperwork in accordance with state licensing rules and agency standards.
- Completes intake paperwork and orientation for new shelter residents
- Meal preparation and completion of daily chores, that includes laundry and similar household responsibilities as needed for youth accessing shelter
- Maintains a working knowledge of shelter policies and procedures.
- Maintain a safe and supportive environment for youth staying in the shelter.
- Coordinates daily educational, skill building, or recreational activities for youth staying in shelter.
- Administers medication to youth as needed.
- May provide transportation to youth to support academic, employment, physical, and mental health needs.
- Documents clients contact in case files and complete related in accordance with program and agency standards
- Provides clear communication at shift change regarding youth.
- Flexibility to participate in continuing education, programming, and staff meetings, which may land outside of the usual schedule.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Education/Experience Qualifications:
The equivalent of two (2) years' experience working or volunteering with teens.
- A background in youth work or human services is preferred.
- Experience working in a congregate care (overnight living) setting is preferred along with the ability to work with youth from diverse identities, cultures, and backgrounds.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to stay awake throughout the night.
- Ability to lift 25 lbs.
- Ability to sit and/or stand at a desk for most of the day.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
None
Reliable Transportation:
A valid driver's license and a driving record that will allow the person to transport youth in an agency-owned motor vehicle is preferred.
Reliable transportation to work is required.
Benefits:
This position is not eligible for benefits.
Background checks, including a Caregiver Background Check, are required for this position.
More information on Briarpatch Youth Services may be found on our agency website www.briarpatch.org
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity