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Youth Advocate Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

Executive Director

Corrales, NM · Remote

$125K - $150K/yr

They advocate for expanded access to emerging technology literacy for Indigenous youth and can articulate how Indigenous Values are culturally sustaining and revitalizing, and how Indigenous world ...

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Youth Advocate information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$12

$18

$28

How much do youth advocate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for youth advocate in Rio Rancho, NM is $18.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.58 and $20.82 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 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.
What are popular job titles related to Youth Advocate jobs in Rio Rancho, NM? For Youth Advocate jobs in Rio Rancho, NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Youth Advocate jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for? The top searched job categories for Youth Advocate jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:
What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Youth Advocate jobs? Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Youth Advocate job openings:
Infographic showing various Youth Advocate job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,502 per year, or $19 per hour.

Youth Empowerment Manager

Magellan Health, Inc.

Albuquerque, NM • On-site, Remote

$53K - $84K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Provides leadership and oversight for efforts to enhance support and resources for Youth and Young Adults. This position performs a wide range of tasks to assist with community facing activities designed to assist youth and young adults in developing advocacy skills, community integration, resource promotion, etc. and including the implementation of the MY LIFE program at the plan level. This role participates in all levels of the system of care and is responsible for promoting continuous quality improvement of all youth supported initiatives and positions, including developing mechanisms to promote youth voice and choice.
  • Assists in identifying and developing opportunities for community partnership, member engagement, health literacy/education activities, and member leadership activities.
  • Leads the Magellan Youth Leaders Inspiring Future Empowerment (MY LIFE) initiative, including developing youth leadership opportunities and youth leader mentorship.
  • Supports member advisory activities, including developing member leadership opportunities, with a specific focus on youth engagement.
  • Models and collaborates to develop problem solving techniques with members.
  • Serves as community interface on recovery and resiliency topics, including presentations, lived-experience storytelling, developing educational materials and events, linkages to supports and services.
  • Promotes community participation/inclusion as a recovery and resiliency strategy.
  • Liaises with community organizations and provider agencies regarding efforts to expand the use of peer specialists, achieve family-driven and youth-guided care, and support recovery-oriented programs.

The job duties listed above are representative and not intended to be all-inclusive of what may be expected of an employee assigned to this job. A leader may assign additional or other duties which would align with the intent of this job, without revision to the job description.
Other Job Requirements
Responsibilities
5+ years' experience as a mental health or substance use advocate.
Must be a self-identified person in recovery with lived experience participating in mental health, substance use, or foster care services as a youth and/or adult and can relate to others currently engaging in those services.
Must meet eligibility requirements for Youth Peer Specialist certification and obtain certification within six months of the start date.
Must obtain within one year of hire NCPS/NCPRSS/National Peer Support Credential.
Membership or leadership positions in peer support advocacy organizations, self-help organizations, associations, or technical assistance centers.
Ability to make decisions that require significant analysis of solutions, and quick, original, and independent thinking.
Ability to determine appropriate courses of action in complex situations that may not be addressed by existing policies or protocols.
Positive attitude that communicates hope and a recovery orientation.
Ability to hear anecdotal information and reframe the context of facts and data, without losing empathy.
Must have a vehicle in good, working condition with the ability to travel within the field regularly.
Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Product Suite.
Must be able to work effectively, independently and in a team, and prioritize in a fast-paced environment to meet the demands of the organization.
Knowledge of behavioral health and community systems, wellness strategies, resiliency and recovery principles, practices, and tools, such as Wellness Recovery Action Plans (WRAP), wraparound process, and community-based peer, family, and parent support organizations and services.
General Job Information
Title
Youth Empowerment Manager
Grade
23
Work Experience - Required
Peer Specialist
Work Experience - Preferred
Education - Required
A Combination of Education and Work Experience May Be Considered., Bachelor's
Education - Preferred
License and Certifications - Required
License and Certifications - Preferred
CPRS/CPS/CPSS/CRPS/PRSS, Peer Specialist, State Requirements - Care Mgmt
Salary Range
Salary Minimum:
$53,125
Salary Maximum:
$84,995
This information reflects the anticipated base salary range for this position based on current national data. Minimums and maximums may vary based on location. Actual pay will be adjusted based on an individual's skills, experience, education, and other job-related factors permitted by law.
This position may be eligible for short-term incentives as well as a comprehensive benefits package. Magellan offers a broad range of health, life, voluntary and other benefits and perks that enhance your physical, mental, emotional and financial wellbeing.
Magellan Health, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Tobacco-free workplace. EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled.
Every employee must understand, comply with and attest to the security responsibilities and security controls unique to their position; and comply with all applicable legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements and internal policies and procedures.