Youth Advocate

Pay: $19.20 per hour

Full Time | Days | 8am - 4:30pm

Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio is currently seeking a Youth Advocate for CHOICES for Victims of Domestic Violence in Columbus, Ohio. LSS CHOICES for Victims of Domestic Violence has been the sole resource for victims seeking shelter in Franklin County for more than four decades, providing a Temporary Emergency Shelter, 24‑Hour Crisis Hotline, DV Counseling, Legal Advocacy, Peer Support Groups and more.

• Providing advocacy for children and victims in crisis who have experienced abuse using trauma‑informed care principles and evidence‑based practices. This includes conducting needs assessments, crisis intervention, goal planning, care coordination, safety planning, child advocacy, participation in team meetings, attending Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, and facilitating linkage to ongoing services.
• Collaborating with other members of the Family Services team to develop and implement monthly youth activities/programming that are educational, engaging, and developmentally appropriate, fostering positive social skills and healing.
• Assisting with parenting classes as required.
• Coordinating tutoring services upon request.
• Facilitating enrollment of children in schools when deemed appropriate.
• Providing guidance and assistance for enrolling in other essential social services such as daycare and after‑school activities.
• Ensuring comprehensive documentation of all client‑related data.
• Covering shifts for the CHOICES hotline and neighborhood desk when available.
• Assisting childcare workers with play activities with children.
• Adhering to mandated reporting laws in the State of Ohio.
• Performing any additional duties as assigned.

• Four year degree in Social Work or related field or equivalent employment experience required; LSW preferred
• Minimum two years working in a social service setting required
• Experience working with clients in crisis, mental health or related services strongly preferred
• Valid Ohio driver's license, access to reliable insured transportation and ability to meet LSS insurance standards required
• Required knowledge, skills, and abilities in:
• Crisis management
• Dynamics of domestic violence and/or intimate partner violence, and safety planning
• Familiarity with family systems, family dynamics, and a wide array of community resources in Central Ohio
• Mental health service provision
• Baseline of Trauma Informed Care Approach to service provision
• HIPAA Laws

• Health insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer matched savings
• Dental and Vision insurance
• Medical and Childcare Flexible Spending (FSA)
• Health Savings Account
• PTO and 12 Paid Holidays
• Discount Marketplace

Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio is committed to being an equal opportunity employer.