The Youth Advocate provides trauma-informed counseling, crisis intervention, and case management to children and families affected by domestic violence. They are responsible for conducting intakes, developing service plans, and maintaining accurate client documentation while representing the agency in the community.
Requirements summary
A Bachelor's degree in a related field is preferred, or a combination of education and 2-3 years of relevant experience. Candidates must possess knowledge of domestic violence advocacy and the ability to work effectively with the Latino community in Philadelphia.
The Domestic Violence Youth Advocate is responsible for providing trauma-informed domestic violence counseling, crisis intervention, advocacy, case management and linkage to community resources to children, adolescents and families who have witnessed/experienced domestic violence. This position will conduct an initial intake and provide ongoing advocacy, case management and follow-up per service plan. Work will be conducted at Congreso’s main office, local schools, and domestic violence shelters and within the community.
The Domestic Violence Youth Advocate will have internal contacts with the entire administrative staff and external contact with clients, community resources, and the community. This position has access to sensitive Congreso information and is expected to handle such information with integrity and professionalism. This position has regular contact with members of the community and is expected to represent Congreso in a professional manner.
The Domestic Violence Youth Advocate will participate in department activities as necessary. In the absence of the Adult Counseling and Housing Coordinator, the Youth Advocate will be supervised by the Manager of Counseling and Prevention Services.
This position reports to the Adult Counseling and Housing Coordinator. This is an in-person position.
The Domestic Violence Youth Advocate applies the principles of the organization’s signature service delivery approach, Primary Client Model (PCM™), by promoting a positive employee/client-focused experience that is appreciative of the unique strengths, values and needs that each individual brings; and by using data to inform and drive decision making. Attention is given to compliance, quality assurance, and best practices as they relate to the role.
Congreso is committed to attracting and retaining candidates who have a passion for their work and will serve as ambassadors of the agency’s mission, values, and DEI&B vision. We encourage all qualified individuals, including those of diverse backgrounds, differently abled, LGBTQ+, and women to apply. Congreso is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Essential functions: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
functions listed below.
Represents Congreso’s mission, values, and commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging and will be an ambassador of our work.
Provide on-site and remote empowerment counseling, safety planning, referrals, advocacy, and educational services at Congreso’s main office to people seeking domestic violence services.
Provide resource information to clients, other Congreso staff and social services agencies.
Provide on-going crisis intervention, advocacy, and resources to a specific number of clients as determined by the agency and funding source.
Conduct an initial client intake, which includes: an agreement to services, a needs assessment, and the mutual development of a service plan.
Conduct client follow-up as specified in the individual client service plan, and as needed by client.
Comply with all client confidentiality regulations as specified by agency, funding source, local, state and federal regulations.
Maintain accurate and up to date client files and documentation.
Submit periodic narrative and statistical reports to the Coordinator.
Regularly attend and actively participate in staff meetings, staff training sessions, case reviews, etc.
Participate in systems wide advocacy and education/awareness/outreach efforts and activities as assigned.
Co-facilitate support groups for survivors of domestic violence as client need arises.
Provide childcare support as assigned to allow survivors to participate in counseling, advocacy, and group services.
Knowledge of legal and political issues, and community resources and benefits that impact and/or benefit the targeted client needs.
Knowledge of basic client management procedures (PCM Model) for determining eligibility, assessing needs, identifying resources, making referrals, following up, and documenting client interactions and supporting client’s pursuit of education and employment goals throughout the agency without regard to program service.
Demonstrates understanding and knowledge of the Latino culture and availability of North Philadelphia community resources.
Ability to effectively interview and engage a client in appropriate programming.
Bilingual in both English and Spanish preferred.
Ability to effectively conduct one on one advocacy and/or educational presentations.
Ability to work in a team structure – demonstrating ability to collaborate and contribute to the team’s work.
Competencies (Knowledge, skills, and abilities)
All Staff Competencies
Basic understanding of Congreso’s mission, values, DEI&B vision, Mission2Impact, Primary Client Model, programs, and services.
Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the community needs and demographics.
Ability to understand, acknowledge, and assess client needs to provide a timely, trauma informed approach in service.
Ensures the appropriate handling of sensitive information and understanding for issues such as confidentiality, domestic abuse, child abuse, and mandated reporter requirements.
Adheres to all Congreso, departmental, programmatic, and security policies, procedures, and guidelines.
Attends all Congreso trainings and in-services as required, including relevant professional groups to maintain professional, requisite knowledge and licensure.
Attends, participates, and facilitates relevant staff meetings to promote communication and execution of goals.
Ability to effectively use standard office equipment, including a variety of common software programs such as Office365, UNIDAD, and other customized databases.
Follows through on assignments, works in a timely manner, within established deadlines, and completes special projects specific to the function of the department, as needed or as directed by supervisor.
Demonstrates ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse groups, in a compassionate, courteous, and respectful manner that fosters an inclusive environment.
Strong written and verbal communication skills including effective and respectful communication with individuals and groups.
Bilingual (Spanish/English) written and verbal skills preferred.
Supervisory responsibilities
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
Minimum experience, education, and qualifications
Minimum education
• Bachelor’s degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work or related field preferred; Suitable combination of education and two to three years crisis counseling/advocacy experience in related field may be considered in lieu of Bachelor’s degree.
Minimum experience
1-2 years’ experience in crisis counseling, advocacy or case management; preference for the experience to be specific to domestic violence.
Knowledge of and proficient on the Latino culture and community of Philadelphia.
Knowledge of the impact of trauma on children and families.
Certification/License
+40-hour Domestic Violence training certificate from an approved PCADV training program required and may be completed post hire.
Mandated Reporter and Supporting Children and Families with Disabilities training certificates are required and may be completed post hire.
