Youth Advocate; Social Worker

About First Place for Youth

First Place for Youth is a leading non‑profit organization dedicated to supporting foster youth in their transition to adulthood, with a focus on education, employment, and housing. We believe that all young people deserve the opportunity to thrive and lead successful, independent lives. Our comprehensive programs empower foster youth to overcome the unique challenges they face and build the skills, confidence, and connections they need to succeed.

• Meaningful Impact:
  Help transform the lives of foster youth on the cusp of adulthood.
• Innovative Approach:
  Pushing the boundaries of foster care support and contributing to programs that redefine the futures of young lives.
• Collaborative and Supportive Environment: A dynamic workplace where every team member is valued and teamwork fuels professional growth.
• Comprehensive Benefits:
  Health and wellness benefits, retirement plans, and more to support our employees.
• Cultures of Diversity and Inclusion:
  Celebrating diversity and creating an inclusive workplace where all voices are heard, respected, and empowered.

The Youth Advocate is responsible for case management, psycho‑social assessment, development and implementation of intervention strategies. The role provides clinical leadership to a multidisciplinary team and coaches youth to achieve goals of housing stability, sustainable employment, and educational achievement. The position is a combination of onsite and community‑based work Monday through Friday.

• Provide youth with individual counseling, crisis intervention, referrals, advocacy, and life skills training (70%).
• Direct Care and Interventions:
  In‑residence visits are mandatory as outlined in the program guidelines; develop partnership strategy with each youth; gather and analyze ongoing information to ensure youth safety, well‑being, and progress.
• Provide clinical leadership to multidisciplinary teams that include youth, family and other natural supporters, county case managers, employment and education specialists, housing specialists, and intake specialists to ensure seamless and effective service delivery.
• Organize, schedule, and facilitate youth and team meetings.
• Provide ongoing assessment of youth well‑being and develop plans to ensure safety and deescalate crises as needed.
• Provide direct support, coaching, mentoring, and intervention to increase youth self‑sufficiency and goal attainment.
• Participate on a rotating basis to provide on‑call coverage and crisis counseling as needed.
• Case Management/Coordination:
  Collaborate with community providers, keep key team members informed, and work with team members to identify and engage appropriate natural supporters.
• Documentation/Administrative Duties (30%):
  Complete documentation including care and services plans, needs assessments, and progress notes; ensure all needed paperwork and consents are completed at time of entry; participate in agency committee as assigned; provide ongoing orientation and training to staff as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

• BA in social work, psychology, counseling or equivalent required.
• Minimum four years of experience working in a child welfare social service setting or with transition age youth with complex presentations including chronic trauma.
• Master's Degree in a related field preferred.
• Strong dedication to cultural competency that removes barriers and increases a sense of belonging.
• Professional license is a plus.
• Comfortable working in community settings; willingness to work collaboratively with the capacity to work independently.
• Must be able to pass a Community Care Licensing background check.
• Must have a car, a valid CA driver’s license and auto insurance.
• Computer skills – proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Project and Outlook; experience with database systems.
• Availability for occasional evening and weekend work and some travel as needed.

• 15 days of vacation time in the first year
• 12 days of sick time
• 2 floating holidays
• 15 paid holidays
• Employee’s choice of Kaiser or UCH HMO/PPO with up to 90%…