Job Summary

At Catholic Charities of Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton Counties, every team member plays an essential role in advancing our mission to serve vulnerable individuals and families with compassion and dignity. As part of our team, you will contribute to a wide range of services aimed at fostering hope, healing, and empowerment within the communities we serve.

Youth Advocates at Catholic Charities IEC Children’s Home provide direct care, supervision, and daily engagement to youth placed in our Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) and Unaccompanied Refugee Minor (URM) programs. As core members of the care team, Youth Advocates ensure a safe, structured, and trauma-informed living environment while modeling healthy relationships and supporting youth in skill development, emotional regulation, and daily living tasks.

Youth Advocate I is an entry-level role for candidates new to residential work.
Youth Advocate II is for individuals with additional experience or education in human services and greater responsibility in role modeling, de-escalation, and leading peer support in youth settings.

Key Responsibilities

Youth Supervision & Support

Maintain direct supervision and a safe environment for youth at all times in accordance with CCI licensing ratios.
Build supportive, culturally responsive, and developmentally appropriate relationships with youth.
Use trauma-informed practices to support emotional and behavioral regulation, including ARC and Safety-Care principles.
Actively engage with youth in therapeutic routines, recreation, chores, education, and daily programming.
Support new admissions, transitions, and discharge routines as directed.

Crisis Response & Safety

Respond to behavioral incidents in accordance with training and agency protocol, using de-escalation and Safety-Care physical interventions only as a last resort.
Follow individual behavior support and intervention plans.
Immediately report critical incidents, suspected abuse/neglect, or safety concerns to supervisors and document accurately.
Monitor youth for medical and psychiatric concerns, and notify nursing staff or supervisors as needed.

Daily Operations & Documentation

Complete shift logs, observation forms, incident reports, and other documentation thoroughly and on time.
Ensure cleanliness, order, and organization in living areas in accordance with health and safety standards.
Administer youth belongings checks and room searches per agency policy.
Assist youth in meeting personal care needs and room expectations.
Participate in medication pass support (escorting and monitoring only; no administration).

Team Participation

Attend staff meetings, shift change debriefings, and required training.
Collaborate with unit supervisors, clinical staff, case managers, and educators to support holistic care.
Provide observations and feedback during MDT discussions or treatment team meetings when requested.
Participate in continuous quality improvement efforts and staff wellness initiatives.

Qualifications

Youth Advocate I (Entry-Level)

High school diploma or GED required.
Must be 21 years of age or older.
Experience working with youth in any setting preferred.
Ability to engage compassionately and maintain professional boundaries.

Youth Advocate II

High school diploma or GED required; additional training or coursework in human services, psychology, education, or social work preferred.
Must be 21 years of age or older.
Minimum 1 year of experience working with youth in a residential, shelter, foster care, or related setting.
Demonstrated competence in behavior management, trauma-informed care, or peer mentorship.

Other Requirements

Must pass background checks including ICHAT, FBI fingerprinting, and Central Registry clearance.
Valid Michigan driver’s license and clean driving record.
Completion of pre-service and ongoing training (including Safety-Care, CPR/First Aid, trauma-informed care, cultural competency).
Must be able to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and during times of high staffing need.
Must be physically able to participate in restraints if required (with training), and support youth in physically active settings.

Personal Attributes Anticipated

Mission-Driven: Demonstrates a deep commitment to the mission and values of Catholic Charities of Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton Counties, and incorporates them into daily work
Collaborative Team Player: Thrives in a team environment, contributing positively and working effectively with others to achieve shared goals
Solution-Oriented Problem Solver: Proactively identifies challenges and develops practical, innovative solutions to address them
Culturally Sensitive: Demonstrates awareness and respect for the cultural diversity of both colleagues and clients, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment
Integrity: Upholds a strong moral character, consistently doing what is right, and responsibly using time and resources to serve the organization’s mission

Work Environment & Physical Demands

This position is on-site and may not be eligible for remote work
Attendance at occasional meetings or events outside regular business hours is required
The role involves working with sensitive or potentially traumatic information and direct interaction with individuals or families in crisis
Physical requirements include frequent use of hands for handling objects, tools, or controls; talking, bending, squatting, twisting, climbing, kneeling, reaching, and occasionally lifting or carrying up to 30 pounds
Vision requirements include close-up work, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus
The work environment may involve varying degrees of physical discomfort and occasional loud noise
Occasional driving, potentially with Clients, during the workday may be needed for operational purposes
Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions

Comments:

This job description is intended to outline the essential functions, general supplementary tasks, and key requirements for successful performance in this role. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Additional tasks may be assigned, and management reserves the right to modify duties as needed.

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