Street Outreach Youth Advocate

Description

Cocoon House Advocates work with at-risk and homeless youth ages 12-24 years old. Advocates provide street outreach to street dependent youth as well as youth-driven, goal-based case management through a healthy adult relationship focused on Positive Youth Development to enhance the lives of the youth we serve.

1. Work flexible hours typically between 9am-7pm (8 working hrs. a day) Monday - Friday.
2. Provide youth-driven case management for an average of 20 at-risk or homeless youth ages 12-25. 
3. Network supporting agencies, resources and the community in your identified geographic location and in general throughout      Everett School District.
4. Strong support of Outreach Programs and support of Cocoon House programs in general.
5. Provide a safe and supportive environment for young people in care: promote positive interaction, demonstrate life/social skills and encourage participation in enrichment activities. Provide information, referrals and community connections both in person and via phone/message.

Cocoon House is committed to continually growing in our equity, diversity, and inclusion journey, and candidates with lived experience or who identify as BIPOC and/or LGBTQ+ are strongly encouraged to apply! We will also provide reasonable accommodation to qualified persons with disabilities upon request. 

Street Outreach Youth Advocate Duties & Responsibilities:

Full-Time (40 hours a week) | On-site in Everett

Starting Wages: $22/hr | +$1.50/hr pay differential for multi-lingual skills with additional paperwork

Work flexible hours typically between 9am-7pm (8 working hrs. a day) Monday - Friday.

1. Outreach to and Networking with Everett School District. Providing hands-on daily Outreach to Everett School District McKinney Vento youth, and promoting Cocoon House services through community outreach and presentations.
2. Case Management. Providing case management for an average of 20 youth ages 12-24 years old throughout the Everett Area with a focus on middle and high school aged youth. Collecting prompt and accurate data required for case management files, surveys, “youth stories”, etc. Will provide youth driven, strength-based case management based on Positive Youth Development, focusing on assistance with employment, education, housing, substance use, medical care and legal needs.
3. Documentation & Communication. Will be available and responsive to emails and phone calls during expected business hours. Will be held accountable for      accurate reporting of business hours, mileage and services provided. Will work positively and cooperatively as part of the entire Outreach Programs team and Cocoon House agency. Will promptly communicate to the Program Manager and/or Director of Outreach regarding any gaps in meeting expectations and needed supports.
4. U-Turn. Will work at least 1 shift per week (typically 1:30 to 6:45pm, subject to change) at Cocoon House’s drop-in center. Will provide information and referral, linkages to needed services, and crisis intervention with a focus on reducing involvement in youth violence and/or gang involvement; increasing youths’ abilities to access services to become more self-sufficient; and increasing supports in youths’ lives. Cook and clean as scheduled. Support of all volunteers and community partners. Collect and track data on services provided throughout the shift. 

Benefits:

1. Medical, Dental, and Vision health options with employer contribution*
2. 403(b) retirement plan with agency match*
3. 21 days PTO accrual in first year*
4. 10 agency-recognized holidays
5. Multilingual pay differential opportunities
6. Paid training & testing: CPR/first aid, food handler's permit, blood borne pathogens, abuse awareness, TB testing, and additional in-depth practical trainings

*Benefits available for qualifying part-time and full-time employee statuses

Requirements

Skills needed to be successful in this role:

1. Work or educational experience working with teens and/or young adults experiencing homelessness, or a similar population. 
2. Ability to diffuse escalated youth. 
3. Ability to record and document information on forms as required for case planning and CPS reporting. 
4. Familiarity with local services and how to access them. Ability to assess situations and gather pertinent information. 
5. Ability to assess dangerous situations and access emergency services. 
6. Ability to relate with youth and staff. 
7. Ability to maintain boundaries with youth. 
8. Must have the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
9. Ability to assess and prioritize youths’ needs developmentally.
10. Be able to assess emergencies and get proper support. 
11. Acceptance of a variety of lifestyles, behaviors, and cultural and spiritual practices.
12. Commitment to Agency’s mission and positive youth development model.

General:

1. High school diploma/GED or high school equivalency
2. Must be 21 years of age or older
3. 1 year minimum of experience working with youth
4. Must attend weekly team meeting and weekly supervision
5. DCYF background clearance
6. Acceptable driver's abstract with no more than 2 violations within last 3 years
7. Possess a valid driver's license, auto insurance, and reliable transportation

Physical:

1. Ability to effectively communicate with all internal and external clients
2. Be able to hear voices and alarms.
3. Ability to read and comprehend a variety of materials
4. Ability to operate phone, computer, and record information for files and logs
5. Must be able to lift up to 50 Ibs
6. Must have ability to run up and down indoor and outdoor stairwells in case of youth emergency.
7. Go up and down stairs