Position Overview:
The Support Center for Child Advocates (CHILD ADVOCATES) is seeking a passionate, empathic Peer Advocate to join our collaborative Empowering Older Youth Program to support young people, ages 16-24, during their involvement in the child welfare system and as they transition from care. As a Peer Advocate at CHILD ADVOCATES, you will play a key role in providing legal and social services advocacy to youth who have experienced abuse or neglect through your mentorship, accompaniment, and resource referrals.
Key Responsibilities:
- Collaborative Advocacy: Partner with Empowering Older Youth Program staff and Child Advocate teams to address client safety, well-being, health, education, and family stability through legal and social service advocacy.
- Youth Engagement & Empowerment: Build trusted, supportive relationships with older youth clients to encourage active involvement in case decisions, ensure their voices are heard and needs are addressed throughout their legal journey, and they feel supported along the way.
- Service Planning: Develop individualized service plans that identify and support client goals, and support their transition from the dependency system.
- Social Services Support: Facilitate client access to essential resources and services through referrals, accompaniment and mentorship.
- Maintain Client Confidentiality: Preserve the confidentiality of relevant information related to clients, the representation and services provided.
This job description is a summary of typical functions and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. A full job description is available upon request.
Ideal Candidate:
- Has experience as a youth in foster care.
- Is committed to youth advocacy and making a positive difference for other youth.
- Excels at engaging young people in difficult situations.
- Enjoys and excels at teamwork.
- Possesses strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrates leadership qualities.
- Interested in building professional skills in peer advocacy through training and/or certifications.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Experience as a youth in foster care who transitioned out of the dependency system 2+ years ago.
- High School Diploma or GED, preferred.
- Ability to work with a diverse population and on a diverse team of professionals.
- Demonstrates strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Willingness and ability to travel throughout the Greater Philadelphia area to conduct home visits, client meetings, and attend court proceedings.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
- Ability to submit valid PA State, FBI and Child Abuse History Clearances.
- Willingness to complete required training in Mandated Reporting.
Compensation:
This full-time position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement between Support Center for Child Advocates and National Organization of Legal Service Workers/UAW Local 2320. The current minimum starting salary is $50,000 - $55,000, contingent on educational qualifications and increasing with direct work experience.
Benefits:
- Health, disability, and life insurance
- 401-K
- Cafeteria plan for dependent care expenses
- Substantial Paid Time Off
- Hybrid schedule
- Four weeks paid parental leave
- 401-K
- Cafeteria plan for dependent care expenses
- Orientation & Training
How to Apply:
Submit your cover letter and resume to personnel@SCCALaw.org with “Peer Advocate” in the subject line.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Child Advocates does not discriminate in any aspect of employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.
