Youth Advocate - Day Shift

Youth Advocate – Day Shift

Volunteers of America, Utah (VOA Utah) is part of a national, nonprofit, faith-based human services organization that provides community‑supported paths for vulnerable populations. We encourage individuals with lived experience to apply.

Full‑time and part‑time, Day Shift.

• Low‑cost medical, dental, and vision coverage; health savings account.
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match (50% match up to 3%).
• Employee Assistance Program for all employees.
• 33 paid days off: 11 observed holidays, 12 sick days, 10 vacation days to start. Vacation increases to 12 days after 1 year, 15 days after 2 years, and more at 5 and 9 years of service.
• Sick and vacation time accrue hourly per pay period.
• $50,000 in employer‑paid life insurance; additional coverage available.
• Employer contribution to your Health Savings Account (paid quarterly).
• Employee Referral Program including cash bonuses and paid time off.

Volunteers of America, Utah provides community‑supported paths for those who are vulnerable to improve their lives and increase their self‑reliance. In alignment with our mission, we encourage individuals with lived experience to apply.

The Youth Advocate position supports homeless and at‑risk youth as they move toward stability, self‑sufficiency, and independence. We offer shelter, basic needs, referrals, resources, and individualized case plans to 15–22‑year‑old youth.

• Engage with youth in case plans or conversations to empower them to make positive choices toward stability and assist them in accessing emergency shelter.
• Ensure a safe environment for staff, volunteers, and clients and assess medical emergencies, providing CPR/First Aid as needed.
• Answer phones, greet clients, volunteers, donors, and visitors in a friendly and professional manner and provide assistance as needed.
• Attend regular staff meetings, shift change meetings, and one‑on‑one meetings with supervisor as scheduled.
• Use the onsite supervisor on the on‑call system for guidance and support and follow appropriate protocol for covering shifts in the event of illness, vacation, or other time off.
• Manage difficult client behaviors by encouraging adherence to expectations for service through a trauma‑informed lens.
• Ensure that all paperwork related to client and program activities is in accordance with licensing and contract requirements, properly completed, managed confidentially, and stored appropriately.
• Use agency vehicles to complete errands and to provide safe transportation for clients when necessary.
• Exhibit professional boundaries with clients.
• Attend work on a punctual, regular, and predictable basis.

• Complete rounds and perimeter checks of interior and exterior of building.
• Submit all paperwork in a timely manner and record important notes in shift change log or HMIS.
• Prepare meals as necessary.
• Maintain cleanliness of shared workspace, facility, and vehicles, as well as center laundry.
• Assist other shifts with waking clients or getting them to bed as necessary.
• Maintain positive, professional interactions with community resources including staff from other VOA programs, emergency services, fire, police and sheriff, criminal justice, staff from other community providers, client family members, agency donors, community support groups, and referral sources.
• Communicate clearly and respectfully with coworkers and supervisory staff.
• Perform other functions as necessary or assigned.

High school diploma or equivalent required and 2 years of social services or youth‑related experience (at‑risk youth preferred) or any combination of education, experience, and training which provides the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Ability to use a computer, phone, and copy machine.
• Ability to interact in a professional manner with a diverse workforce, clients, and the public.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks; flexibility to respond to changes.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Ability to lift and carry 30 lbs.
• Work requires a lot of movement and activity. Must be moving around and interacting with clients for extended periods of time.
• Must be at least 21 years of age, possess a current driver’s license and have a good driving record.
• Must be able to pass Utah DHHS background check for those working with vulnerable populations.
• Must be able to pass pre‑employment drug test.