Youth Advocacy Specialist

Position Overview

SFCASA regularly has 60+ children and youth on our waitlist for several months before they are matched with a CASA volunteer. Youth can benefit from a variety of case and systems navigation support. The Youth Advocacy Specialist will be primarily responsible to: 1. Provide direct advocacy services to approximately 20 high priority cases;
2. Provide case supervision support to 4-6 Community Advocate Fellows as part of an innovative pilot designed to develop and deliver deeper credible mentorship support to high-priority juvenile justice-involved youth. Please note this position’s percentage between direct service of youth and case supervision of volunteers may fluctuate and will be dynamic in response to need. This position reports to the Program Manager.

In the role of Youth Advocacy Specialist you will have the opportunity to work 1:1 with youth as the CASA, and you will receive case supervision and coaching from the Program Manager.

Being a Case Supervisor is all about coaching and encouraging SFCASA’s Advocates (including advocates who are part of the Community Advocate Fellowship Pilot), who volunteer their time to stand up for foster care children and youth in the juvenile justice system. You’ll be a steady and compassionate guide, providing thoughtful coaching, responsive supervision, and ensuring that advocates feel confident, capable, and aligned with SFCASA’s mission, policies and practices.

The support provided by Case Supervisors helps advocates navigate complex, and often emotionally charged situations and relationships, guided by the intention to support youth to not only articulate their goals but more importantly provide support to realize their goals. The Case Supervisor guides them through the process of discerning how best to advocate, offering them encouragement, clarity, solutions to problems, referrals to resources, and be a listening and trusted ear and resource at every step of the way.

Direct support and coordination of services and referrals for up to 20 youth (60/70%):

• The Youth Advocacy Specialist will spend approximately 15-20 hours in the field per week
• Consistently assess the waitlist and prioritize cases to be served by the Youth Advocacy Specialists with a focus on JJ and TAY cases, and cases which can most benefit from immediate support.
• Develop case plans, update database records for assigned youth
• Meet at least monthly and establish a relationship with the child to understand the youth’s needs and desires better
• Participate in each hearing with or without the youth
• Explain CASA’s role, duties, and responsibilities to all parties associated with the case
• Establish relationship with caregivers and/or parents as a support and asset
• Establish relationship and partner with professionals on the team to support youth
• Participate in Child and Family Team meetings
• Identify and make warm referrals to appropriate services, resources and providers for youth
• Help to connect PSW, attorney and other service providers with educational advocacy support
• Help to keep the care team connected and coordinated with youth needs centered
• Ensure that the court-approved case plan for the youth is being implemented
• Maintain confidentiality regarding the youth and their case.
• Write court reports for bi-annual hearings
• Closely collaborate with fellow Youth Advocacy Specialist and CASA Connections Lead to ensure effective and warm transitions for youth and Advocates alike at various status change points.
• Provide regular updates and reports to organizational Leadership Team

• In collaboration with the Program Manager design and implement Community Advocates Fellowship Pilot programming, including minimum quarterly progress and outcomes reporting
• Provide case supervision support and coaching to 4-6 Community Fellowship Advocates
• Maintain organized, accurate and up-to-date electronic case records in compliance with Agency protocols, ensuring data integrity for reporting needs
• Support Community Fellowship Advocates in the completion of court-mandated duties, including, but not limited to, developing and submitting…