Center For Family Services is a leading non-profit social services provider with locations across New Jersey. We are dedicated to making a positive and lasting impact in the lives of individuals and families. Recognized as a top workplace, our team is driven by a professional commitment to delivering high-quality care and support.

Over the past decade, we have continued to grow and evolve, expanding our services to meet the diverse and changing needs of our communities. Our comprehensive range of evidence-based and specialized programs empowers people to build brighter futures and overcome life's challenges.

With a passionate and dedicated workforce of more than 1,500 professionals, Center For Family Services is a powerful force for positive change-helping individuals and families discover vision, hope, and the strength to thrive.

*Sign-On Bonus

Take advantage of our new sign-on bonus! Center for Family Services is a place where you can be part of a dynamic, top workplace team dedicated to improving lives. When you apply and get hired, you are eligible for a $500 sign-on bonus.

POSITION SUMMARY:

CFS seeks a full-time, experienced Youth Advocate passionate about ensuring quality support services to vulnerable youth and their families. The Youth Advocate will support youth and emerging adults in accessing resources and coordinating the implementation of the prevention strategies in partnership with Youth participants.

Location: Camden and Gloucester County, NJ

Job Type/Status: Full-Time

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides trauma-informed services within the framework of a Positive Youth Development model. 
• Provides information, referral, and linkage to participants. 
• May be required to work a flexible schedule to be available to participants throughout the week. 
• Work as a collaborative team to educate all participants on available resources. 
• Engages youth participants in the youth advisory board and planning activities. 
• Partners with street outreach and intake teams across the continuum of homeless 
• services to identify and engage youth and young adults who are at risk of homelessness. 
• Coordinate and attend community meetings, visibility events, and conferences. 
• Provides de-escalation, case management, referral, and coordination of services to individuals at risk of homelessness. 
• Partners with Case Manager to support youth by identifying independent living goals, workforce readiness, mental health and psychological assistance, mediation, and welfare checks as needed.
• Complete documentation and other reporting requirements within program/payer-specific requirements. 
• Assist and participate in community outreach and education. 
• Perform other specialized activities and functions specific to the program

REQUIREMENTS: 

• Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Counseling, Human Services, and/or Psychology. 
• At least 1-2 years of previous experience working with families/adults in crisis. 
• Bilingual, Spanish speaking preferred. 
• Experience working with individuals and families impacted by financial crisis, domestic violence, or other crisis/trauma required. 
• Prior experience with case management, advocacy, and exposure to social work in the legal system is preferred. 
• Lived experience of homelessness and/or addiction and recovery preferred. 
• Must work effectively with individuals from diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. 
• Computer literacy and ability to utilize related software applications. 
• Experience working in collaboration with community and youth. 
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice, resiliency, and protective factors 
• Experience in using data to drive outcomes. 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills. 
• Self-starter, organized and detail-oriented. 
• Ability to work effectively as a team member. 
• Professional demeanor and strong interpersonal skills. 
• Must be willing to travel to different Center for Family Services' building sites and off-site locations. 
• Must be able to sit for extended periods, up to 4 hours. Must be able to lift 30 pounds. 
• Access to reliable transportation 

Benefits:

At the Center for Family Services, our employees are our greatest resource, and we are committed to investing in our staff. We offer a competitive benefits package as well as ongoing resources that will support staff on their personal and professional journey.*

• Excellent paid time off (PTO) program, including vacation, sick, personal, and holiday
• 401k Plan
• Medical insurance plan options
• Dental & Vision Insurance
• Prescription Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health & Wellness Activities
• Ongoing Training & Professional Development Opportunities
• Opportunity for advancement

Disclaimer Many positions require motor vehicle record evaluations and medical clearances. Center For Family Services is an equal opportunity employer offering competitive salaries and excellent benefits packages.