Youth Advocate Jobs in Appleton, WI (NOW HIRING)

Position Overview

The Youth Advocate serves as an advocate for youth who encounter barriers to success and participation in Boys & Girls of Club Menasha, Neenah or Appleton’s youth development programs. The Youth Advocate will use non-violent crisis interventions, restorative justice practices, and mediation skills to promote positive Club experiences and behaviors for Club members. This position will work directly with the Behavioral Support Services Director, Branch Director, Club members and families. The Youth Advocate reports directly to the Behavioral Support Services Director.

Schedule

• 2:00-6:00 p.m. (Monday - Friday)

Essential Job Functions 

• Assess and support Club member’s behavioral challenges by working one-on-one with them for a wide range of presenting concerns
• Oversee daily operations of the Sensory Room
• Facilitate Sensory Room sessions with Club members
• Conduct small group programs for Club members as needed to support Social Emotional Learning
• Work with Club members to understand and define individual goals based on their behavioral challenges to promote full program participation
• Guide Club members to reduce or eliminate concerning behaviors at Club
• Participate in team meetings with Branch staff to discuss support for Club members
• Maintain organized and detailed case files on all Club members receiving behavioral support services
• Demonstrate commitment to learning key trauma concepts and applying trauma informed practices
• Demonstrate commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
• Develop positive relationships with Club members, families, and staff by being visible and accessible throughout the Branch Club programs

Operations

• Engage in continuous learning and contribute to the effective implementation of continuous improvement processes.
• Support the ethical use of data to make decisions in a timely and informed manner.
• Represent the organization to the community in a way that enhances the organization’s profile, builds its reputation, supports its strategic priorities, and advances its mission.
• Support team development and performance, inclusive of but not limited to active listening, team-based learning, recognition, fun, and transparent communications. 
• Support the planning, implementation, execution, and evaluation of special projects.
• Finish work by established deadlines within the framework of established guidelines and policies.
• Address issues and concerns in a professional, respectful, and courteous manner.
• Ensure records are up-to date, accurate, and organized.
• Prioritize and organize multiple tasks and responsibilities in a way that meets daily responsibilities while continuing to work toward longer-term objectives.

The Youth Advocate requires a majority combination of the following:

Education and Experience

• A bachelor’s degree in social work, sociology, psychology, human services, or related field preferred but not required.
• Minimum of at least two years of experience working with at-risk children, youth, and families.
• Demonstrated record of some or all of the following: child and adolescent development, behavior management techniques, social emotional learning & trauma informed care.

Skills and Requirements

• Ability to prioritize and organize multiple tasks and responsibilities in a manner that fulfills daily responsibilities while continuing to make progress towards longer-term objectives.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to convey information in a timely, open, and clear manner.
• Reliable transportation.
• Knowledge of and ability to effectively use computers, software, and other technology tools.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Key Characteristics (Standard for every position in the organization).

• Is mission-driven and values-based.
• Demonstrates a growth mindset and a commitment to lifelong learning.
• Upholds a commitment to equity, while striving to be anti-racist and respectful of cultural differences with all stakeholders.
• Contributes to a purpose-driven culture characterized by trust, inclusion, belonging, autonomy, and learning.
• Operates with excellence in mind in all matters.

Working Conditions

Work will occur both in a climate-controlled environment and outdoors with limited exposure to safety or health hazards. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets as well as non-hazardous program supplies and equipment such as basketballs, paint, markers, billiard balls, musical instruments, etc. This role also requires the use of vehicles to transport youth and staff.

Physical Demands include:

• Must be able to move independently indoors and outdoors.
• Must be able to operate a computer and other office productivity equipment, such as a phone and photocopier.
• Must be able to communicate efficiently and effectively.
• Must be able to quickly detect safety concerns.
• Must be able to work effectively in outdoor weather conditions.
• Must be able to work effectively in an environment where the noise level may be loud at times.
• Other

Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with documented disabilities to perform essential functions.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Fox Valley (BGCFV) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, BGCFV complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.