Youth Advocate-JASMYN
Categories Advocate
Expires Dec 01, 2024
Description
JASMYN supports the empowerment of LGBTQIA+ teens and young adults through leadership, advocacy, resources, and a safe and affirming community. Our vision is for LGBTQIA+ teen and young adult identities, aspirations and contributions are valued and affirmed. We are guided by 6 principles: Centered on Youth, Personal Wellness, Racial Equity, Accountability, Innovation and Partnership. Founded in 1994, JASMYN’s staff of over 25 provides a comprehensive continuum of youth development programs, housing supports, mental health services and health services with a focus on HIV testing, risk reduction counseling, medical linkage for youth living with HIV (YLWH), and a sexual health clinic that also provides PrEP care coordination.
We are seeking to hire a Youth Advocate, to work primarily with LGBTQIA+ teens and young adults (13-23 years old) experiencing persistent mental health issues. A JASMYN Youth Advocate will support LGBTQIA+ youth experiencing persistent mental health issues in navigating systems of care, while monitoring mental health outcomes and providing additional safety net services. A Youth Advocate is a role model who provides reliable and relevant information to help clients overcome barriers that may prevent engagement, retention, or re-engagement in mental health treatment.
Essential duties and responsibilities
• Provide guidance and advocacy that is intended to add to the education, information, and support from JASMYN staff. • Support resource coordination and co-facilitating mental health support groups at JASMYN, as well as mentoring up to 30 teens & young adults throughout the year. • Responsible for leading their peers in discussions and conversations surrounding mental health and wellness with framework from SAMHSA and Positive Youth Development. • Responsible for providing resource support during Teen Drop-In, and other JASMYN teen program support as needed. • Engage youth in CREATE activities including the State of the Young People (SOYP) Collective • Support identified LGBTQIA+ youth who are impacted by the challenges of societal inequities and engage them through linkage to the community systems of the CREATE system of care • Provide peer support and ensure the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals are fulfilled within the CREATE system of care • Engage with regional and national Youth Advocacy Organizations such as the State of the Young People (SOYP) Collective • Participate in training in community-based participatory and child rights-based approaches to community development • Fully engage in outreach, including developing social marketing campaigns • Contribute to efforts to expand Jax Youth Equality, a community supported website that offers a source for knowledge about and access to community resources • Organize teens and young adults to be convened periodically to offer perspectives on gaps in services; structural, institutional, and societal barriers to care; system inequities; quality of life assessments; and CREATE system of care modifications which would advance equity and decrease disparities • Support development of youth/student outreach strategies and best practices • Attend meeting, and/or other related meetings and events where possible
Qualifications
• Ability to relate to teens and young adults in an accepting, positive and healthy manner • Familiarity and sensitivity in dealing with the unique needs of LGBTQIA+ teens and young adults. • Experience and/or knowledge with persistent mental illness • Possess strong leadership qualities • Commit to abide by JASMYN code of conduct • Valid Driver’s License and access to a reliable vehicle with appropriate insurance coverage • Must pass criminal background checks
Salary/Salary Range
$20
How to Apply
Application Procedure: Interested applicants must submit a cover letter that details relevant experience related to job responsibilities, and a detailed resume with at least three references. Please send cover letter and resume to apply@jasmyn.org. We will be unable to take any inquiries related to posting or hiring details. JASMYN is an equal opportunity employer; minorities are encouraged to apply.