Background

Youth Empowered Society (YES) prevents and eliminates youth homelessness through the synergy of youth/peer and ally partnerships. The organization’s vision is that all of Baltimore’s youth will easily access supportive services and stable housing to become powerful in their own lives. Founded by youth and continuously informed by youth perspective, our drop-in center offers a safe space and community of belonging alongside basic needs, support services, and housing case management.

Role

The Peer Advocate functions as an integral member of the YES team, reflecting the essential value that youth, peer and ally partnerships provide the organization with its strength and uniqueness. The Peer Advocate assists young adults ages 14-25 at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness by supporting drop-in services, program development, and youth leadership work. The Peer Advocate will accompany youth in accomplishing their goals, act as a liaison to youth as YES continually works to improve program responsiveness to youth needs, and encourage youth engagement in programming and services offered at drop-in and beyond.

Based on their interests and expertise, the Peer Advocate will assist with drop-in center operations, including entry, check-in desk, phone referrals, food assistance, and programming (i.e. art, trauma-informed community conversation, parenting/pregnancy support, and more). During non-drop-in hours, the Peer Advocate will follow up on youth goals and needs, as well as support the logistics of drop-in via activities like supply purchasing, donation management, preparation of spaces, and other operational needs.

Responsibilities

Build authentic, caring relationships with youth via staffing drop-in center, individual, and group-based support
Manage and supervise youth in the drop-in space, which may look like:
- Answering the phone and supporting check-in
- Handing out food, clothing, hygiene items, etc. as well as purchasing/organizing supplies
- Leading a life skills or peer mentorship group
- Assisting with youth-choice activities like computer use (often for job or training applications, etc.)
Facilitate referrals to and from community organizations and outside supports as needed
Support data management and outcome tracking by noting all client interactions in files and maintaining case notes in a timely manner
Work closely with YES’s team to study and continually develop our trauma-informed / resiliency / strengths-based approach to our work, practiced through the lens of race equity
Advocate for systems change and engage/support youth in advocacy efforts as appropriate

Desired Qualifications

Lived experience of homelessness and other life experiences similar to our population
In peer age range (18-30 years old)
If a YES-involved youth, must not be receiving direct case management support at present
Welcoming demeanor and collaborative mindset
Service-oriented individual with a desire to support peers in a fast-paced environment
Strong communication skills, with an ability to be proactive, clear, candid, and transparent.
Belief/investment in redistributing power to youth and commitment to advancing racial equity

Salary and Hours: This is a part-time position (20 hrs/week) paying $22/hr. There are no benefits. Hours will fall between 10a-6p Monday to Thursday. [Drop-in hours will be determined as we seek to meet youth-identified preferences, and as part of staffing drop-in, this role may involve hours that run later than a typical business day.]

Physical Demand/Work Environment

Physical Demands: The physical demands and work environment described here are representative to those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to use hand, reach with hands and arms, talk and hear. The employee will also walk, sit, stoop, kneel, crouch and lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Vision requirements including close vision, distant vision, peripheral vision, depth perception; ability to focus.

Work Environment: This position will be in a professional office environment, as well as sometimes may be in outside weather conditions. This role may use standard office equipment such as computers, phones, copier, and filing cabinets. This employee is exposed to a variety of conditions at client sites. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

AA/EEO Statement: It is the policy of YES to provide equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, religion, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, ancestry, physical appearance, income level, source of income, political beliefs, marital, genetic, student or veteran status, less than honorable discharge, arrest or conviction record, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Youth Empowered Society (YES)

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Youth Peer Advocate