Youth Advocate

Lazarus House Ministries started 39 years ago with a challenge from Mother Teresa (yes, THAT Mother Teresa) to a Marist Brother to make a difference in Lawrence. In the decades since, Lazarus House has earned a reputation as a trusted faith-based nonprofit in the Merrimack Valley. Food, shelter, work preparation, advocacy and clothing are our core strengths and we are committed to innovating to serve our community’s evolving needs best.

Lazarus House Ministries offers an opportunity to work among a diverse group of dedicated professionals. You can make a real difference in the lives of families and individuals struggling with food insecurity, poverty and homelessness. This good service is born out of a strong team, faith in God and each other, dignity, respect, collaboration and a heart for people of all backgrounds who have found themselves in poverty. We offer a continuum of care for our beloved Guests in five essential service areas: Shelter, Clothing, Food, Advocacy and Community Resources. We are committed to innovating to meet our community’s evolving needs.

This position helps create a positive healthy environment where youth can have fun and be safe and thrive. The youth advocate will provide a positive, meaningful activities and opportunities for youth to engage each other and create a supportive community for each other.

· Be a positive role model to help shape growth and build trust by cheerleading and advocating.

· Provide a safe environment where children can learn, have fun and dream.

· Provide support, guidance and motivation.

· Create individualized service plans for each youth that help them explore and work on academic goals and help them celebrate academic milestones.

· Provide supervision and mentorship of youth. Modeling appropriate behaviors, boundaries, redirection and crisis management.

· Create a community environment for youth where they are able to safely learn social, interpersonal, communication and coping skills.

· Provide meaningful activities and programing based on youth needs.

· Log events and document activities and youth participation.

· Work alongside case managers to share concerns and work as a collaborative team assisting with healthy family dynamics.

· Encourage and teach youth about the importance of stewardship of their environment and themselves.

· Encourage youth to participate in extracurricular school activities and assist families by helping to procure equipment needed such as athletic gear, uniforms and/or instruments.

· Clean and maintain youth advocate space ensuring proper use of youth facility and equipment.

· Participate in staff meetings.

· Knowledge of youth driven practices and experience working with youth

· Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build authentic relationships with diverse youth and families.

· Experience working on issues that impact youth and families.

· Able to work with youth of varying ages from 5-18 yrs. of age.

· First Aid/ CPR

· High Level of responsibility and accountability

· Upbeat and engaging personality

· Experience working with youth as a coach/mentor

· Ability to set limits and boundaries

· Great organization, tracking and follow through skills

· Bilingual: English/Spanish

· Associates degree or pursuing a degree in education, social work, recreation administration or related field preferred.