Family Advocate

Position Title: Family Advocate (FT) - ($18hr to $22hr)

Location: Bethlehem

The Organization
Valley Youth House is a nonprofit organization that empowers and strengthens the lives of children, youth, and families through inclusive programming that builds resilience and fosters growth and independence. Valley Youth House works from a Trauma-Informed / Healing-Centered perspective, incorporating positive youth and human development, and cultural awareness into all aspects of our agency. The agency is committed to ensuring that clients and staff feel safe, have choice and voice, collaborate in a trusting environment, and are empowered to make a difference in their own lives and the agency.

Why Join Us?

1. We offer a competitive compensation package with paid time off (PTO) to promote work-life balance.
2. Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage, including prescription benefits.
3. Enroll in our 401(k)-retirement plan and enjoy a company match up to 6% to secure your financial future.
4. Short- and Long-Term Disability coverage for peace of mind.
5. Take advantage of our pre-tax spending accounts (Health Care and Dependent Care FSA).
6. Health and wellness programs to support your overall well-being.
7. Referral program where you can earn rewards for bringing talented individuals to our team.
8. Tuition reimbursement program to fuel your professional growth.
9. An extensive orientation program to ensure a smooth onboarding process.

Essential Functions Of The Family Advocate

1. Foster current relationships between youth and all identified permanency resources looking at safety, control, connectedness, and opportunity.
2. Aid youth to identify and use written, verbal, and physical interactions with those whom they wish to become permanency resources.
3. Oversee and conduct post-visitation follow-ups, including timely submission of follow-up paperwork, with those identified by youth as permanency resources post-visit.
4. Complete preliminary safety plan with youth to address crisis or critical incidents that may occur during visitations.
5. Address and report any crisis or critical incident that may have occurred during permanency resource visitation, as defined by agency and/or county, state, or federal regulations according to the agency's formalized practice and protocols.
6. Attend both external and internal agency trainings and workshops; complete and pass all required training hours and annual training as set forth in the funder and licensing regulations.

Minimal Qualifications For The Family Advocate

1. Minimum of a high school diploma or GED required, combined with two years of experience working with adolescents is preferred; lived experience will be considered.
2. An individual 21 years of age or older, with the ability to identify with and adapt to the goals and philosophies of the independent living program.
3. Possess sound judgment and knowledge of adolescent development and behavior.
4. Display organizational skills and highly adept at managing multiple tasks and assignments.
5. Successful team members are creative thinkers, are flexible in their approaches to people and projects, and are capable of working with diverse groups of the population.
6. Must have and maintain a valid driver's license including vehicle insurance and inspection on any vehicle used for daily work and transportation of clients.
7. Must receive a passing score on annual motor vehicle clearance to be eligible to operate agency vehicles.
8. Proficient in computer knowledge & skills (i.e. Microsoft Windows software); familiarity with the operations of external databases and Google Suite is desired.
9. Never have been convicted of any prohibited criminal or child abuse offense.

Preferred Qualifications For The Family Advocate

1. Candidates with lived experience.
2. Ability to navigate stairs is highly preferred (as some locations are not always handicap accessible).

Physical Requirements For The Family Advocate

1. Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.
2. Ability to navigate stairs.
3. Light work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds.
4. Medium work that includes moving objects up to 50 pounds.

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About Valley Youth House
Valley Youth House is more than a nonprofit organization. We’re a catalyst for youth to achieve their desired futures through genuine relationships that support families, ensure safe places, and build community connections. We partner with each young person we meet to help them create the best possible outcome for their unique situation.