EMPLOYMENT

Position Title: Youth Advocate

Department: Safe Harbor Youth Program

Reports To: Youth Program Manager

Status: Non-Exempt (Hourly)

Schedule: Full-Time, 36 hours/week

Monday–Thursday: 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. / Friday: 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

(Includes on-call rotation, some evenings and occasional weekends)

Location: Worthington, with extensive travel throughout the SWCC service area.

Salary Range: $19.00–$32.50 per hour, depending on experience. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 403(b) retirement plan with agency match; and paid time off, including vacation, health and wellness time, and holidays.

Position Summary

The Youth Advocate provides survivor-centered, trauma-informed advocacy and support to youth and young adults up to age 24 who are experiencing or have experienced domestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking. This position promotes youth safety, empowerment, and healing while collaborating with families, community partners, and systems across Southwest Minnesota.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Direct Services – Youth

• Provide advocacy, emotional support, crisis intervention, information, referrals, and safety planning for youth and young adults (up to age 24) affected by domestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse, sexual exploitation, and trafficking.

• Offer supportive listening and youth-centered advocacy, assisting youth in identifying goals, strengths, and resources to support safety and healing.

• Collaborate with the SWCC’s Child Advocacy Program by:

  • Receiving referrals of youth who have received forensic interview services.

  • Providing ongoing advocacy to youth.

  • Attending monthly case review.

  • Coordinating services with MDT partners.

• Conduct trauma-informed, culturally responsive needs assessments that recognize developmental stages, family dynamics, and lived experiences.

• Accompany and advocate for youth during hospital forensic exams, law enforcement interviews, court proceedings, and meetings with system professionals, in accordance with SWCC policies and best practices.

• Assist youth and families with Orders for Protection, Harassment Restraining Orders, and other civil legal remedies, as appropriate.

• Support access to transportation and logistical assistance to help youth engage in services.

• Facilitate and/or co-facilitate youth support groups, discussion groups, and educational programming.

• Assist with case management services for youth experiencing sexual exploitation and/or trafficking.

• Support access to safe housing for youth, children, and pets (when applicable), in alignment with SWCC Safe House Protocols.

• Participate in the 24-hour Safe Line on-call rotation, including phone and in-person crisis response as scheduled.

• Maintain a safe, welcoming, and client-centered office environment, including organization, cleanliness, and supply management.

Documentation, Reporting & Compliance

• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential client documentation in electronic databases in compliance with agency, state, and federal requirements.

• Provide clear and timely narrative documentation and data for funder and program reporting.

• Assist with data collection and documentation required for grants, contracts, and annual reports. Ensure timely, accurate, and complete service records.

• Maintain strict confidentiality in accordance with state and federal law, agency policy, and ethical standards for crime victim services.

• Fulfill mandated reporting responsibilities, including reporting suspected.

Collaboration, Outreach & Prevention

• Serve as a resource to community and system professionals working with youth.

• Participate in collaborative meetings, multidisciplinary teams, and task forces.

• Maintain a visible SWCC presence in the service area by:

  • Distributing brochures, Safe Line cards, and educational materials to schools and community partners.

  • Conducting presentations for youth, parents/caregivers, professionals, and community members.

  • Maintaining collaborative relationships with system partners, service providers, and community organizations.

  • Assist with planning youth-focused activities, programs, and events in the community.

Required Qualifications

• Experience working directly with youth or at-risk youth.

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in psychology, sociology, social work, criminal justice, or a closely related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).

• Strong empathy, compassion, and nonjudgmental engagement skills.

• Demonstrated cultural humility and ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse racial, cultural, spiritual, economic, gender, sexual orientation, and age backgrounds.

• High standards of professionalism, integrity, accountability, and confidentiality.

• Ability to work independently while also contributing to a collaborative team environment.

• Commitment to the mission, values, and survivor-centered philosophy of Southwest Crisis Center.

• Demonstrated commitment to self-care, professional boundaries, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and on-call shifts.

• Valid Driver’s License, reliable insured vehicle, and acceptable driving record; ability to travel within the six-county service area and occasionally beyond.

• Successful completion of required background checks in accordance with Minnesota law.

• Experience with or ability to learn and use electronic documentation systems and other relevant technologies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of the intersections of child abuse, sexual abuse, domestic violence, sexual exploitation, trafficking, and trauma.

• Experience working with criminal justice, family court, human services, and healthcare systems.

• Demonstrated ability to facilitate collaboration among multidisciplinary partners.

• Knowledge of domestic violence and sexual assault dynamics and their impact on youth development.

Physical and Mental Demands

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and move throughout the community for extended periods.

• Ability to travel frequently within the service area.

• Ability to respond effectively in high-stress, crisis-oriented situations.

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds occasionally.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Southwest Crisis Center is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

Employment Disclaimer

This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties or responsibilities.

Duties may change based on organizational needs. Employment with Southwest Crisis Center is at-will unless otherwise specified in writing.

To apply – send resume and cover letter to Stephanie Darnell, Youth Program Manager at stephanie@mnswcc.org or P.O. Box 111, Worthington MN 56187. Position open until filled.