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Youth Advocate Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

Youth Villages

Recreation Therapist

Douglasville, GA · On-site

At Youth Villages, we do what works - partnering with others to expand our impact and advocate for meaningful, lasting change. We're seeking purpose-driven individuals who are passionate about making ...

Youth Villages

Part-Time Psychiatrist

Douglasville, GA · On-site

At Youth Villages, we do what works - partnering with others to expand our impact and advocate for meaningful, lasting change. We're seeking purpose-driven individuals who are passionate about making ...

Youthvillages

Recreation Therapist

Douglasville, GA · On-site

At Youth Villages, we do what works - partnering with others to expand our impact and advocate for meaningful, lasting change. We're seeking purpose-driven individuals who are passionate about making ...

Youthvillages

Registered Nurse

Douglasville, GA · On-site

$37 - $40/hr

At Youth Villages, we do what works - partnering with others to expand our impact and advocate for meaningful, lasting change. We're seeking purpose-driven individuals who are passionate about making ...

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Youth Advocate information

See Decatur, GA salary details

$12

$19

$29

How much do youth advocate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for youth advocate in Decatur, GA is $19.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.20 and $21.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Youth Advocates face when working with at-risk youth, and how are they typically addressed within the team?

Youth Advocates often encounter challenges such as building trust with at-risk youth, addressing behavioral or emotional issues, and navigating complex family dynamics. To address these challenges, Youth Advocates collaborate closely with counselors, social workers, and educators to develop individualized support plans. Regular team meetings and ongoing training in trauma-informed care and effective communication techniques help advocates share strategies and provide mutual support, ensuring that each youth receives comprehensive and compassionate assistance.

What Is a Youth Advocate?

A youth advocate works closely with children to provide a safe and healthy environment for them to live and grow. As a youth advocate, you often work with kids in the foster home system or from damaged homes. Many of these children struggle with drug or alcohol problems. Your duties include acting as a child’s legal advocate, teaching them better life skills, and assisting with social development. This job requires a compassionate and caring personality. Though you mainly work with children, a youth advocate often communicates with parents, caseworkers, and other caregivers.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

A Youth Advocate typically earns less than $4,000 a week, as the role often offers hourly wages or salaries below that threshold. High-paying jobs that can reach $4,000 weekly without a degree include roles such as sales managers, real estate brokers, or skilled trades like electricians and plumbers, which often require experience, certifications, or licenses rather than a college degree.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Youth Advocate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Youth Advocate, you need a strong understanding of youth development, case management, and advocacy, often supported by a degree in social work, psychology, or a related field. Familiarity with client management systems, crisis intervention protocols, and relevant certifications like CPR/First Aid is typically required. Exceptional communication, active listening, and cultural sensitivity are crucial soft skills for building trust and rapport with diverse youth populations. These skills and qualifications are essential for effectively supporting young people, ensuring their safety, and empowering them to overcome challenges.

How do I become a youth advocate?

To become a youth advocate, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant experience working with youth or in social services. Developing strong communication, leadership, and advocacy skills is important, and some roles may require a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or a related field. Volunteering or internships can also provide valuable experience in this field.

What is the role of a youth advocate?

A youth advocate supports and promotes the needs and rights of young people, often working with community organizations, schools, or government agencies. They may provide counseling, mentorship, or assistance with accessing resources, and typically require strong communication and interpersonal skills. The role often involves advocating for policies that benefit youth and ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making processes.

What are Youth Advocates?

Youth Advocates are professionals or volunteers who support, guide, and represent the interests of young people, especially those facing challenges such as involvement with the foster care system, juvenile justice, or educational difficulties. They work to empower youth by ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making processes, connecting them to resources, and helping them navigate complex systems. Youth Advocates often collaborate with families, schools, and community organizations to promote the well-being and rights of young people. Their goal is to help youth overcome barriers and achieve positive outcomes.

What qualifications do you need to be a child advocate?

To become a youth advocate, typically a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or a related field is required, along with relevant experience working with children or in social services. Strong communication, advocacy skills, and knowledge of child welfare laws are also important, and some positions may require certification or training in child protection or counseling.
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What are popular job titles related to Youth Advocate jobs in Decatur, GA? For Youth Advocate jobs in Decatur, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Youth Advocate jobs in Decatur, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Youth Advocate jobs in Decatur, GA are:
What cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Youth Advocate jobs? Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Youth Advocate job openings:
Youth Advocate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Youth Advocate job openings in Decatur, GA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,003 per year, or $19.7 per hour.
Recreation Therapist

Recreation Therapist

Youth Villages

Douglasville, GA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Youth Villages rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 235 rated social care providers

Job description

For over 35 years, Youth Villages has transformed the lives of children and families nationwide through innovative, research-based programs focused on preserving and restoring families.
As a national leader in children's mental and behavioral health, we serve more than 47,000 youth, young people, and their families annually across 29 states and Washington, D.C. Our proven treatment models drive long-term success in child welfare, juvenile justice, and mental health systems. At Youth Villages, we do what works - partnering with others to expand our impact and advocate for meaningful, lasting change.
We're seeking purpose-driven individuals who are passionate about making a difference. With a dedicated team of more than 5,000 staff, Youth Villages is committed to investing in and supporting our employees by offering opportunities to build a fulfilling career through professional growth, personal development, and a mission that matters- helping children and families live successfully.
For more information, please visit www.youthvillages.org
Program Overview:
Youth Villages' residential programs in Tennessee and Georgia provide safe, nurturing environments for youth ages 6 to 17 with complex behavioral and mental health challenges. These programs are offered across three types of facilities-secure facilities, open campuses, and group homes-each designed to meet the individual needs of youth exhibiting a range of referral behaviors, including aggression, self-harm, suicidal ideations, and problem sexual behavior.
Our residential campuses deliver an intensive treatment program that strikes a unique balance between structure and freedom, all while preparing youth for continued success outside of a residential setting. A key focus is to help each youth step down to the least restrictive treatment option possible by developing the skills they need to thrive in less structured environments through trauma-informed care, clinical interventions, life skills building, and recreation therapy (in selection locations). Most youth also attend fully accredited schools located on our campuses, ensuring their educational progress continues alongside therapeutic support.
Position Overview:
The Recreation Therapist works with youth to develop their physical and social abilities by interacting with others in a team setting and increasing their self-esteem. Using games, sports, arts and crafts, and aquatics, our Recreation Therapist keeps youth engaged while building confidence and promoting teamwork. The Recreation Therapist facilitates group sessions with youth daily and coordinates additional activities for the campus.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The Recreation Therapist:
  • Develops and facilitates recreation programs (including but not limited to: music, dance, arts and crafts, cultural arts, nature study, swimming, social recreation and games, camping, etc.)
  • Promotes and coordinates participation in clubs and organizations (including but not limited to: student council, intramural sports leagues, other volunteer activities, etc.)
  • Works with the residential treatment team to ensure that recreation is well-balanced, scheduled appropriately, and integrated with special services
  • Oversees the use of canoeing and high ropes courses equipment and resident participation on applicable campus
  • Promotes life skills training through therapeutic activities
  • Adapts recreation programs to meet needs of youth
  • Ensures that relevant information is conveyed to treatment team members
  • Maintains recreation equipment and consults with leadership for replacement of depleted equipment
  • Keeps current on collective and therapeutic resources available to best support youth
  • Executes therapeutic treatment by considering medical records, personal observation, and communication with youth
  • Completes daily documentation (such as contact notes, milieu notes, and precautionary notes) in an electronic medical record system (EMR)
  • Performs other duties as assigned

Additional Information:
  • The supervision and treatment of youth requires prolonged periods of walking, standing, running, climbing stairs, and physical agility.
  • Applicants must be able to participate in physical interventions when necessary and frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, occasionally more than 100 pounds.
  • Applicants are required to complete Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) and CPR trainings and pass an agility and strength evaluation.
  • Applicants must possess a current, valid driver's license.
  • Schedule is flexible and may require some weekend hours.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Recreation Therapy (required)
  • CTRS certification (required)
  • Experience working with at-risk youth (preferred)
  • Experience working with youth (required)
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Excellent written, verbal, and oral skills
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
  • Basic computer knowledge
  • Ability to maintain a flexible schedule

Youth Villages Benefits
  • Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug Coverage and Vision
  • 401(k)
  • Time off:
    • 2 week paid vacation (full-time) / 1 week paid vacation (part-time)
    • 12 paid sick days per year
    • 11 paid holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Mileage & Cell Phone Reimbursement (when applicable)
  • Tuition reimbursement and licensure supervision
  • Growth & development through continuous training
  • Clinical and administrative advancement opportunities

*Benefits are excluded for variable status employees.
Youth Villages is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Youth Villages is committed to not only advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace but also in our work with children and young adults. We know that children, families and young people of color can face inequity in child welfare and justice systems, and we train our employees to build the skills they need to work with the communities that we serve, as well as, other employees from different cultures and backgrounds. Youth Villages is opposed to racism in any of its forms and is committed to inclusion, equity, and diversity. We believe that respect for each other is crucial in the work that we do each day.

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