Senior Youth Advocacy Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The organization is focused on delivering youth services through various programs, including the Elevate Youth program. It aims to empower youth, particularly Afghan girls, by providing them with leadership training and opportunities to engage in community advocacy. The organization operates in multiple locations, emphasizing community partnerships and outreach to enhance the impact of its programs.

Job Overview:
The Senior Youth Advocacy Specialist plays a crucial role in overseeing the Elevate Youth program, which is designed to support Afghan girls aged 14-24 through the Youth Leadership Council (YLC). This position involves managing program deliverables, ensuring that youth receive essential training in leadership, substance prevention education, and advocacy. The specialist will work closely with community organizations and schools to recruit eligible youth for the YLC and provide them with the necessary resources and support to thrive. The role also includes direct supervision of the Youth Specialist and coordination of program activities, ensuring that the objectives of the Elevate Youth program are met effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Youth Advocacy Specialist will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Outreach and Enrollment: Collaborating with school districts and community organizations to identify and assess youth eligible for the YLC.
• Leadership Coaching and Youth Engagement: Overseeing staff case management and leadership training for YLC participants, providing one-on-one counseling, and supporting leadership activities.
• Community Advocacy: Leading YLC members in planning and executing community presentations, wellness workshops, and social events.
• Program Oversight: Completing quarterly reports, managing YLC payment processes, and ensuring effective communication among staff.
• Community Networking: Creating partnerships related to substance prevention and advocacy, and amplifying youth voices in the community.
• Administrative Responsibilities: Tracking time and effort, participating in program meetings, and complying with agency policies.
• Mentoring: Supporting the Refugees Empowering Peers after-school program and connecting with schools for potential YLC presentations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree or relevant work experience, with a Master’s degree being a plus. They should have 1-3 years of experience in youth counseling, case management, or coaching, as well as experience in managing grant-funded programs and in substance prevention or advocacy. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential, along with the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience with data tracking systems are also required.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required, with a Master’s degree considered an advantage. The educational background should ideally include coursework or training related to youth development, social work, or a similar discipline that prepares candidates for the responsibilities of the role.

Experience:
The position requires 1-3 years of relevant experience, particularly in youth counseling, case management, or coaching. Experience in managing grant-funded programs and working in substance prevention or advocacy is also preferred. Candidates should demonstrate a proven ability to engage with youth and facilitate their development effectively.

Languages:
Proficiency in a refugee language such as Dari, Farsi, Pashto, or Arabic is considered an asset, enhancing the ability to communicate with the target population and support their needs effectively.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in a standard office environment with regular travel to employer sites. The compensation for this role ranges from $26 to $27 per hour, with the exact offer depending on various factors such as the labor market, job type, and individual candidate experience. The organization is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds.