Job Summary
The Youth Advocate provides comprehensive, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and victim-centered advocacy and support services for children, youth, and protective caregivers impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, stalking, human trafficking, and other forms of interpersonal violence. The position provides direct advocacy through the Youth Advocacy Program while supporting the Personal Development Center's Supervised Visitation & Safe Exchange Program by participating in child and youth intakes, orientations, supportive advocacy, safety planning, supervised visitation activities, and coordination of services.
The Youth Advocate collaborates with participants, schools, multidisciplinary partners, community agencies, and internal programs to promote children's safety, emotional well-being, resilience, and healthy development while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, confidentiality, and cultural humility.
A valid Wisconsin driver's license, reliable transportation, and current automobile liability insurance are required.
Job Responsibilities
Personal Advocacy – Youth Advocacy Program
- Provide trauma-informed, child-centered advocacy and supportive services to children and youth impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, stalking, human trafficking, and other forms of victimization.
- Complete participant intakes and ongoing assessments to identify strengths, needs, safety concerns, and appropriate services.
- Provide crisis intervention, emotional support, safety planning, supportive counseling, advocacy, information, referrals, and follow-up services.
- Assist youth and protective caregivers in identifying options and developing individualized plans that promote safety and well-being.
- Facilitate youth support groups, educational programming, and skill-building activities.
- Maintain ongoing communication with youth participants and protective caregivers as appropriate.
- Coordinate services with schools, Child Advocacy Center staff, law enforcement, healthcare providers, and other community partners.
- Promote accessibility of services through outreach and community engagement.
- Maintain accurate, objective, and timely documentation in accordance with agency policy.
Personal Advocacy – Supervised Visitation & Safe Exchange Program
- Support the safety, well-being, and best interests of children and adult survivors participating in supervised visitation and safe exchange services.
- Participate in child and youth intake meetings, orientations, and ongoing service planning.
- Assist children in understanding the visitation or exchange process using developmentally appropriate and trauma-informed approaches.
- Provide supportive advocacy to children and protective caregivers before, during, and after supervised visitation or safe exchange services as needed.
- Assist children in expressing concerns, feelings, and preferences in a safe and supportive manner consistent with program policies.
- Collaborate with the Program Coordinator and visitation staff regarding child safety concerns, behavioral needs, accommodations, and service planning.
- Participate in high-risk case planning involving children and protective caregivers.
- Assist with supervised visits and exchanges when additional child support or staffing is needed.
- Provide referrals for additional advocacy, counseling, youth programming, and community resources.
- Maintain objective documentation related to child advocacy services provided within the program.
- Support implementation of the Safe Havens Guiding Principles and OVW Justice for Families Program requirements.
Criminal Justice Advocacy
- Ensure participants understand and are afforded Wisconsin Crime Victims' Rights.
- Assist participants with victim compensation applications.
- Provide advocacy regarding restraining orders, custody, placement, criminal justice processes, and related legal matters.
- Accompany participants to law enforcement, attorney, court, or other appointments as appropriate.
- Assist participants in understanding legal documents and processes.
- Coordinate interpretation and translation services when necessary.
Systems Advocacy and Community Collaboration
- Foster collaborative relationships with schools, youth organizations, courts, law enforcement, child welfare agencies, healthcare providers, and community organizations.
- Participate in multidisciplinary teams and collaborative meetings as assigned.
- Promote seamless access to services through effective coordination with internal and external partners.
- Identify service gaps and assist in developing new programming to address emerging community needs.
- Maintain working relationships with End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin, Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault, Marshfield Child Advocacy Center, area school districts, and other community partners.
Community Education and Prevention
- Plan and deliver age-appropriate prevention education addressing healthy relationships, bullying, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, consent, and personal safety.
- Provide presentations, trainings, and educational resources to schools, youth organizations, community groups, and professionals.
- Assist in developing educational materials and outreach campaigns.
- Represent the agency at community events and awareness activities.
Documentation, Data Collection and Grant Compliance
- Maintain accurate participant records and objective case documentation.
- Complete required statistical reporting, grant reports, outcome measures, and success stories.
- Maintain confidentiality in accordance with Wisconsin law, funder requirements, and agency policy.
- Assist with program evaluation and continuous quality improvement activities.
- Review and update program policies, procedures, and forms as assigned.
Training and Professional Development
- Participate in required agency orientation and ongoing professional development.
- Maintain current knowledge of domestic violence, sexual assault, child development, trauma, cultural responsiveness, supervised visitation best practices, and victim advocacy.
- Share relevant training information and resources with agency staff.
- Participate in webinars, conferences, and continuing education opportunities.
General Responsibilities
- Support the mission, vision, and values of the Personal Development Center.
- Maintain participant and agency confidentiality at all times.
- Demonstrate professionalism, cultural humility, and trauma-informed practice in all interactions.
- Maintain a cooperative and respectful working relationship with participants, staff, volunteers, interns, and community partners.
- Participate in the agency's rotating on-call Advocate of the Week schedule.
- Provide shelter coverage and front desk support as assigned.
- Assist with agency newsletters, social media, outreach, and awareness activities.
- Assist in maintaining a safe, clean, and welcoming facility.
- Attend required staff meetings, committee meetings, collaborative meetings, and agency events.
- Assist with orientation and training of new staff, interns, and volunteers.
- Promote a positive public image of the Personal Development Center through professional representation in the community.
- Complete additional duties as assigned by the Director of Programs and Services or Executive Director.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, Criminal Justice, or a related field preferred; equivalent education and experience may be considered.
- Experience working with children, youth, and families affected by trauma, domestic violence, sexual assault, or child abuse preferred.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed care, child development, crisis intervention, victim advocacy, and community resources.
- Strong interpersonal, organizational, communication, and documentation skills.
- Ability to work independently while functioning effectively as part of a team.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
- Valid Wisconsin driver's license, reliable transportation, and current automobile liability insurance.
Hours:
Full-time position (40 hours/week), Monday –Friday, 8:00-4:30; some evening and weekend hours required for group advocacy, agency fundraising/special events, and occasional trainings/meetings.
Salary:
Starting salary $58,656.00
Other:
Background check, valid driver’s license, dependable vehicle, and proof of insurance required
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $58,656.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Life insurance
- Mileage reimbursement
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
