Youth Advocate at YMCA OF THE NORTH in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Job Description:

1. Job Summary:
The?Youth Advocate?is passionate about making positive and meaningful changes. The Youth Advocate has experience with the foster care system, justice system, homelessness, and/or exploitation to inform and improve the experience for others. Through the Youth Leadership Council, or the Youth Advisory Board-Foster Care, Youth Advocates will contribute to YMCA programming, community initiatives, trainings, events, and activities at the county and state level. The incumbent will work with a team of youth to elevate their stories, develop professionally, and commit to influencing the systems that have impacted them. The incumbent will provide a safe, enjoyable experience and adhere to all employee standards.
2. Essential Functions:
Working as part of a team to plan and implement program activities within the YMCA, broader community, and at the county and state level focused on improving the experience for system-involved youth.Participate in all required meetings related to their programming.Provide insight to outside partners for youth support and programming.Maintain a safe environment.Assist in special programs and activities as required by supervisor.
3. Relationships:
This position reports to the Senior Youth Support Specialist who reports to the Youth Support Program Director. The incumbent interacts regularly with staff, other young people, and the community. This position requires regular interaction with people from a variety of diverse backgrounds.
4. Qualifications:
Must be motivated, organized, and creativeMust be team orientedAbility and interest in working with people of diverse backgroundsStrong communication and mediation skills
5. Physical Demands:
Must be able to actively participate in meetings, presentations, and any other planned activities.
6. Additional Notes:
This job description represents the major functions of the position but is not intended to be all-inclusive. The incumbent is also responsible for taking direction from branch representatives in completing projects or performing duties deemed necessary for the branch or Association success.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Pledge
The Y of the North is committed to the work and everyday practices of eliminating disparities and eradicating of unjust systems to become a multicultural, anti-racist and anti-oppressive organization. YMCA of the North team members and volunteers must exemplify the associations mission, vision and values of caring, equity, honesty, respect and responsibility.
The YMCA of the North continues to develop plans and strategies to ensure team members and volunteers reflect the demographics of the communities we serve. We will continually conduct institutional racism and oppression review of our policies, procedures and practices in recruitment and selection; compensation and benefits; professional development and training; promotions; transfers; layoffs; terminations; and the ongoing development of a multicultural, anti-racist and anti-oppressive work environment and culture that promotes equity and respect for the human dignity of all. We value and respect this diversity and choose to be inclusive through our acceptance of all.