Youth Advocate

Stars Behavioral Health Group was recently certified as a great workplace by the independent analysts at Great Place to Work®, based on extensive ratings provided by its employees in anonymous surveys. According to the study, 75 percent of employees say it is a great workplace.
 

We are committed to providing a career-enhancing environment for dedicated professionals desiring to improve the lives of people living with mental health and other challenges to their wellbeing. SBHG currently employs approximately 1,700 people at more than 45 different sites throughout California. We serve more than 30,000 adults, children, youth and families annually throughout the state. We strongly value and are committed to having a truly diverse workforce and environment- including LGBTQ, cultural, racial, and ethnic diversity in our workforce. We also value lived experience and employ staff who have been consumers of behavioral healthcare or other social services, or supported a consumer as a family member or caregiver.

Our experienced staff of Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Social Workers, Mental Health Specialists, Parent Partners and other therapists/counselors provide case management, mental health care and a range of support services in our outpatient clinics and 24/7 treatment facilities, and in community settings such as schools and homes. Our dedicated teams work collaboratively and in partnership with family members, school administrators and faculty, county social workers, case managers, probation officers and other community-based agencies.

JOB SUMMARY:

The position has primary responsibility for using their lived experience and knowledge of the system to provide outreach and engagement, support, and advocacy to participants.  Youth Advocates will support participants’ movement toward recovery, and in pursuing meaningful roles in their lives, separate from their illness.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience

High School diploma or equivalent, preferred, plus personal experience as a consumer, in the child welfare, probation, or mental health systems.

License or Certification

Registered Alcohol/Drug Technician

Valid California Driver's License preferred

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Ability to physically perform ProACT.
2. Ability to visually and audibly assess clients’ behavior and needs.
3. Ability to stand and walk for long periods, up to 3 hours at a time.

POTENTIAL JOB HAZARDS:

1. Potential for eye and wrist strain from computer screen and minor lacerations from paper cuts.
2. Interaction with potentially assaultive youth.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Duties

1. Provides one-on-one support, mentoring, and role-modeling to participants. Helps participants formulate problem-solving plans.
2. Incorporates identified practices into services.
3. Helps participants navigate the peer support, wellness services and navigation supports within the behavioral health system of care, other health systems, and community supports.
4. Links participants to various resources, including housing, food, education/vocation, recreation, spiritual, mentors and social, as deemed appropriate in partnership with the treatment team.
5. Assists participants with communicating with other providers and agencies.
6. Advocates on behalf of participants and promotes self-advocacy.
7. Documents all services provided in a clear and concise manner within the Electronic Health Record within the timelines and framework established by Capital Star.
8. Participates in various meetings on an as-needed basis, including Treatment Team meetings to support the team with meeting the participant’s needs.

Other Responsibilities

1. Participates in the development of the Care Plan.
2. Provides transportation to participants and family members between school, home, and services and activities as able and needed.
3. Participates in on-going support with other Youth Advocates, as available.