The Lead Youth Support Advocate (Lead YSA) provides direct care, supervision, and support to children residing in an EEC-funded Emergency Shelter. In addition to carrying out Youth Support Advocate responsibilities, the Lead YSA oversees the program operations for a designated shift, providing guidance, mentorship, and leadership to staff. This role ensures that shelter operations are safe, effective, and consistent with Kennedy-Donovan Center (KDC) and Department of Children and Families (DCF) policies and philosophy.
Join a collaborative team where your expertise is valued, your professional growth is supported, and your work creates lasting impact for children throughout Massachusetts.
Provide direct supervision, support, and care to children, including daily routines, activities, meals, and household responsibilities.
Complete intake, discharge, documentation, and other required program records accurately and timely.
Maintain required staff-to-child ratios and ensure continuous supervision in accordance with EEC regulations.
Respond to medical emergencies, behavioral crises, and other incidents while following agency policies and procedures.
Utilize trauma-informed care, positive behavior supports, and crisis prevention techniques to support children’s well-being.
Administer, document, and monitor medications in accordance with agency policy and licensing requirements.
Serve as the lead staff member on assigned shifts, providing guidance, support, and direction to team members.
Communicate shift updates, incidents, and concerns to Program Leadership and maintain accurate shift documentation.
Support staff onboarding, training, coaching, and adherence to program standards, policies, and best practices.
Maintain compliance with KDC, DCF, and EEC requirements, including participation in required meetings, trainings, and flexible scheduling that may include evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Minimum of 2 years working with children in residential, emergency, or foster care settings, or related experience with vulnerable youth.
Experience leading or mentoring team members.
Knowledge of child development, trauma-informed care, and positive behavior support.
Strong communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to respond quickly and appropriately in emergency or crisis situations.
Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to obtain and maintain CPR, First Aid, and SafetyCare certifications.
Successful completion of all required EEC, DCF, and KDC background checks and clearances.
