Organization Background:
Briarpatch Youth Services has an exciting job opportunity for a skilled professional. The agency is a dynamic non-profit community organization that has served Dane County since 1971. Briarpatch provides a broad array of services to more than 2,000 youth annually who have runaway, are experiencing homelessness, are justice involved, or facing other challenges.
AmeriCorps Youth Advocate
This position is employed and funded by AmeriCorps but provides service at Briarpatch Youth Services. Individuals in this position provide services to youth staying in the Briarpatch Youth Shelter. Services may also be provided to family members and to youth not staying in the shelter. This service employment goes from June 1, 2026-August 31,2026
Days/Hours:
This Advocate would work approximately 22 hours per week, primarily with a weekend focus, during the Summer (June-August) to support our Youth Shelter Program.
Type:
Part-Time
Exempt/Non-Exempt:
Non-Exempt
Pay Information:
Compensation: Living Allowance: $5400 for 450 hours served; living allowance at $675 paid semi-monthly.
Education Award for 450 hrs. is $1956.35.
These amounts are pro-rated based upon date of enrollment and service hour enrollment.
Work Location:
2720 Rimrock Road, Fitchburg, WI 53713
Deadline to Apply:
5/22/2026
Description:
This position is employed and funded by AmeriCorps, but provides service at Briarpatch. This position provides counseling and case management to youth and their family members and provides support for volunteers in the Briarpatch Runaway & Homeless Youth Program (RHY). Duties are performed for outpatient clients and for youth residing in a temporary shelter facility.
Duties:
- Completes intake paperwork and orientation for new shelter residents.
- Provides supervision and engages in positive youth development with youth staying in the shelter to maintain a safe and supportive environment.
- Coordinates educational and/or skill building activities for youth staying in the shelter to address the needs of the youth encourages positive recreational activity for youth.
- Oversees the independent and daily living activities of youth staying in the shelter. This include assisting with meal preparation, completion of daily chores, doing laundry, and similar household responsibilities.
- May provide transportation to youth to support academic, employment, physical and mental health needs.
- Provides clear communication at shift change
- Documents record of contact in the case file, and completes case related documentation in accordance with RHYP and agency standards.
- Maintains a working knowledge of Shelter program policies and procedures. Agency policies and procedures, State and Federal licensure regulations and statutes.
- Consults with YAS case manager regarding youth staying in the shelter around academics, outside services, behavior challenges, and individual care plans.
- Monitors youth technology use in compliance with program guidelines
- Participates in program training and program meetings as needed which may be outside of schedule.
- All other duties as assigned.
Training and Experience:
- Must be at least 21 years old
- Worked with at-risk youth and families
- Experience working with youth from diverse identities, cultures, and backgrounds.
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Proficient in Microsoft suite
- The equivalent of one (1) year experience volunteering with teens
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to stay awake throughout the night.
- Ability to lift 25 lbs.
- Ability to sit and/or stand at a desk for most of the day.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
None.
Reliable Transportation:
- Must have valid drivers license, auto insurance, and reliable transportation.
Benefits:
- Not eligible for benefits.
- Briarpatch benefits only offered to full time Briarpatch employees. Benefits may be available through AmeriCorps.
Background checks, including a Caregiver Background Check, are required for this position.
More information on Briarpatch Youth Services may be found on our agency website www.briarpatch.org
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
