Youth Advocate

Zach Gordon Youth Services is looking for a qualified individual to fill our Youth Advocate position at Shéiyi Xaat Hít Youth Shelter.

An ideal candidate for this position is someone who enjoys teens and who is willing to meet youth where they are at and not give up on them.

We are looking for someone who has and understands healthy boundaries when working with vulnerable populations. Someone who can remain calm in a crisis, and has a strong ability to build relationships. We are looking for someone who understands and is willing to continue to learn how childhood trauma impacts the lifespan and how systemic inequities and historical trauma impact us on an individual and community level today.

We are looking for someone skilled at navigating systems and paperwork and who is willing to ask questions when they don’t know the answer to something. We are looking for someone who values and lifts up youth’s own identities. Strong communication and empathy skills are a must! Ability to teach youth in one‑on‑one and group settings, as well as necessary skills for “adulting”, such as interviewing skills, budgeting, paying bills, grocery shopping and meal planning, etc.

The ability to work as a member of a team and work together to create a safe and uplifting space for all is critical to this position.

The ZGYC team is a fun group! The workplace is flexible and creative. We encourage trying new things and laughing a lot. Our values are wellness, connection, and growth and we do our best to embrace these in all areas of our workplace. We have fun and we are also dedicated and care deeply about our community.

This position works at Shéiyi Xaat Hit Youth Shelter in the Mendenhall Valley. The position works primarily daytime shifts, but the successful candidate should expect one weekend shift and occasional evening shifts.

As a Youth Advocate you will be responsible for coordinating care for youth who come into the shelter. You will work with them to create a plan of care and help connect them to needed services. You will provide referrals and coordinate with partner organizations serving youth. You will provide mediation to families and caregivers in order to help youth transition home.

You will help youth communicate their needs in a way that can be heard by the adults in their life. You provide skill building activities and positive youth development opportunities for youth. Your work will be both one on one and in groups. You will help create a warm and welcoming culture of acceptance and non‑judgement at the shelter. You will provide supervision and oversight to make sure youth are safe at all times.

Graduation from high school or the equivalent.

Any combination of work experience or post‑secondary education totaling six (6) months in any field.

Experience working with youth and/or families impacted by trauma or coordinating patient referral or care services is preferred.

Valid Driver’s License at time of appointment and for continued employment.

First Aid and CPR certification within 30 days of appointment.

Under Alaska Statute 12.62.160 (9) Appointments to this position are offered conditionally, pending the results of a criminal records report (Non‑FBI). Human Resources evaluates the results to ensure the applicant does not have any convictions that result in a direct nexus to the primary duties involving supervising minors. Applicants who materially misrepresent any information provided in the employment process will be excluded from further consideration or may be dismissed if already employed.

Under Alaska Statute 12.62.400 (9) Appointments to this position is offered conditionally, pending the results of a National Criminal History report through the FBI. Applicants must submit their fingerprints to continue in the hiring approval process. The applicant will receive a copy of the report of findings and may dispute within five (5) days of receiving them. Human Resources evaluates the results to ensure the applicant does not have any convictions that result in a direct nexus to the primary duties involving supervising minors.

Applicants who materially misrepresent any information provided in the employment process will be excluded from further consideration or may be dismissed if already employed.

Hiring Manager(s):
Jorden Nigro and Forrest Clough

Phone Number:  or

Email: jorden.nigro or forrest.clough