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Graceworks Lutheran Services

Youth Advocate- CSRC - Full-Time

Graceworks Lutheran Services, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States, 53244

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Wisconsin Community Services

is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/Disability/Vet).

Job Summary

Youth Advocate – CSRC – Full-Time (Job Code: 2025-YS-005). Location: Milwaukee. Department: Milwaukee Youth Services. Full‑time.

Job Responsibilities Position Summary:

The Youth Advocate serves as a case manager for the Community Service Restitution Coordination Program. The advocate coordinates programming and community service opportunities at Project Excel, works with staff to track activities supporting enrollment, service delivery, operations, outcome data, and reporting.

Essential Functions

Assist youth and families to develop youth‑centered goals and coordinate services utilizing evidence‑based curriculum for required on‑site programming.

Conduct intakes of new youth referred to CSRC.

Provide active supervision of youth at all times on‑site, in the community and during transportation.

Role‑model a positive, pro‑social attitude and provide affirming feedback and positive reinforcement to youth.

Complete and maintain all required paperwork, records, and documents including intakes, Restorative Action Plans, hour tracker sheet, weekly reports to CYFS HSWs, Exemption Requests, Accounts Payable Check Requests with the Program Director, documents for restitution and payments, and discharge summaries.

Enter data into the program database, SecurManage, and the Milwaukee County database Synthesis, within the required timeframes.

Follow all applicable policies and procedures of the program and agency.

Maintain consistent, reliable communication with youth, parents/families, Milwaukee County CYFS staff and other team members, schools, to ensure high‑quality service delivery.

Attend and actively participate in staff meetings and treatment team meetings with other service providers and supports.

Arrange and assist with transportation of youth, including riding on transportation routes to pick up and drop off youth from programming.

Assist the Program Director with preparing quarterly performance outcomes for submission to the funder.

Adhere to agency Evidence‑Based Practices with fidelity, including Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Informed Care, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Aggression Replacement Training, and Person‑Centered Care.

Facilitate required groups/ancillary services based on contract requirements (Restorative Justice programming, Healthy Youth, Mindfulness, Alternatives, etc.).

Organize and connect youth and families to resources when needs are identified.

Participate in the program’s Continuous Quality Improvement and Performance Quality Improvement Processes with the Program Director.

Collect feedback surveys from youth and families for required programming.

Work with the team to ensure the program achieves outcome expectations of the funder.

Actively coordinate and participate in all aspects of the program, including all community outings for CSRC.

Support the Program Director with completing daily attendance reports and weekly census reports.

Participate in the Trauma Informed Care team for the programs, including the Annual TICOMETER Assessment, development of the Action Plans, and champion one of the goals.

Participate in the monthly Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Dialogue Sessions.

Conduct home visits when required.

Other Duties and Responsibilities Provide coverage for colleagues when needed. Other job‑related duties necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the position.

Job Qualifications Minimal Qualifications:

Must have previous experience performing case management responsibilities, preferably a minimum of two (2) years with youth.

Some knowledge of Wisconsin Juvenile Code and Court proceedings is helpful.

Associate’s degree required. BA/BS in Social Work, criminal justice or social service–related field is preferred. GED or HSED acceptable only if 10 years of verifiable work experience with youth and demonstrated skills required for the position.

Must have insured automobile and valid driver’s license.

Meet all WCS requirements including criminal and caregiver background checks, references, and driving record.

Individuals must be able to positively interact with and support the progress of youth who are involved in the justice system.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Working knowledge of positive adolescent/youth development and the effects of childhood trauma; experience with mental illness and substance use needs of youth; patience with and understanding of challenging life situations; ability to interact with youth and parents/guardians in a calm, respectful, and professional manner at all times; ability to follow verbal and written instructions; ability to respond appropriately in crisis situations; ability to cooperatively problem‑solve; proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel; perform computer functions necessary for program operations; use time efficiently and effectively; ability to multi‑task; sensitivity toward cultural, ethnic and disability issues. Highly organized and able to work independently.

Personal Attributes Follow agency Code of Conduct; adhere to established policies and procedures of the program, agency and all funding sources; conduct self in an ethical manner; maintain professional and respectful relationships with program staff, other WCS staff, youth and their families, and all external persons and agencies involved with services; inclusive and equitable treatment of all persons regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual identity, religion, ability or any other factor; demonstrate commitment to agency values and mission; practice cultural reverence toward racial, ethnic, LGBTQ+ and disability issues.

Work Relationship and Scope Reports directly to Program Director. Has contact with a wide variety of individuals including, but not limited to, program staff; WCS administrative and support staff; Milwaukee County Children Youth & Family Services staff; youth, parents/guardians and other family members; MPS staff and administrators; Children’s Court officials; Wraparound Milwaukee staff and staff from other service providers on the care teams; contractors/vendors; and members of the community.

Working Conditions Work is performed primarily in a direct service environment with youth involved in the justice system, in the community, and occasional home visits. Must be comfortable in a fast‑paced environment, with the ability to direct activities of youth and staff during the program, including community service activities. Evening hours when the school year is in session; possible weekend work.

Program Hours During the school year: Project Excel 12‑8 p.m. Monday‑Thursday on school days and 8‑4 p.m. on Fridays (40 hours). During the summer: Project Excel 8‑4 p.m. Monday‑Friday (40 hours). Hours subject to change based on the needs of the programs and may require weekend work.

Physical Demands Duties require constant physical activity while facilitating groups and interacting with youth, including on community outings multiple times each week. Staff may be required to use physical intervention in extreme situations. Ability to lift and carry 20 lbs. required. Ability to transport youth in personal vehicle and ride on WCS or vendor van during transportation to and from the program. Drive the van as backup when required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to fulfill essential functions.

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