Peer Advocate (CSEC Advocacy)

Overall Function:

The Peer Advocate provides peer support to youth served by the Commercially Sexually Exploited Children (CSEC) Advocacy Program.  This includes advocacy, peer support services and linkage as needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Include:

1. Utilized personal and professional life experience to provide peer support to youth served by the program.
2. Accesses community-based resources appropriate to the family’s needs.
3. Interfaces with Department of Children and Family Services, Department of Mental Health, court systems, schools, health care providers and other community liaisons.
4. Provides support and advocacy.
5. Provides 24-hour availability and crisis intervention on an as needed basis or regularly scheduled basis, which may include weekends and evenings.
6. Conducts visits to homes and or other service providers in order to help client achieve their plan of care goals.
7. Follows state laws and agency guidelines regarding child abuse reporting.
8. Active participation in administrative and clinical supervision and meetings.
9. Is receptive to receiving feedback from children and families, community and service providers.
10. Ensures accuracy in work and that all deadline expectations are met.
11. Maintains consistent and regular attendance.
12. Follows up with supervisor in a timely manner regarding significant issues.
13. Maintains confidentiality as required by OYHFS, licensing, HIPAA and other regulatory agencies.
14. Follows and adheres to all field safety guidelines.
15. Participates in mandatory training, in-service and meetings.
16. May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education, Training, Experience and Certifications

1. High School Diploma/GED preferred.
2. Must have lived experience as a survivor of human trafficking.
3. Previous peer advocate experience preferred.
4. Previous experience working with high-risk youth preferred.
5. Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
6. Must possess and maintain a valid CA Driver’s License, automotive liability insurance, and a driving record acceptable to agency’s insurance carriers.
7. Must be able to prioritize the needs of the client and keep accurate records of progress made during treatment.
8. Must be knowledgeable and have the ability to effectively use MS Word, Excel and Outlook.  Experience with electronic health records is preferred.
9. All employees must be fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19.
10. All employees, regardless of position, serve as role models for children and adolescents who are served by our agencies.  Therefore, each employee must at all times be emotionally stable and able to function effectively with children, adolescents and adults who may have mental or behavioral health problems.  The staff must be able to demonstrate appropriate daily behavior, appropriate expression of emotions as well as appropriate role modeling.  Hostility, aggression, and unnecessary or inappropriate physical and/or emotional expression are not acceptable.
11. Must be able to pass criminal/fingerprinting background check, TB Test, Physical Exam and Drug Testing.  Must have a valid California Drivers License and a clear DMV record.
12. Must have the visual, physical and technical ability to independently operate a variety of office equipment including the use of a computer.  Will also require bending, stooping, filing, lifting and be able to interrupt physical altercations if necessary.

In accordance with CA law, the expected pay range for this CA position is posted with this position. The actual compensation may be determined based on bona fide factors such as education, experience, and other factors permitted by law.

Salary range for this position: $ 21.50 - 28.38 / hour

Hiring Range for this position: $ 21.50 - $ 23.50* / hour

*CSEC Peer Advocates with lived CSEC experience receive a $2.00 differential in base pay / hour