CSEC - Advocate

GET TO KNOW US:

For over 100 years, Vista Del Mar Child & Family Services (VDM) has taken great pride in providing exceptional programs and services for children and families throughout LA County. VDM envisions a community where all children and families are equipped and prepared to live productive, fulfilling lives. We serve the most vulnerable in Los Angeles, many of whom have faced multi-generational inequities. Vista Del Mar is guided by core values of empowerment, equity, and excellence.

CULTURE:

At Vista Del Mar, our success is empowered by our staff, families, residents, and clients. We believe in the inclusion and liberation of marginalized communities, standing in unity for justice and recognizing long-standing systemic oppression. We acknowledge we are part of an unjust system and strongly advocate to change oppressive systems and the unconscious bias that affect staff, clients, and families in all communities. Vista is committed to developing a culture of healing, community care, and creating a sense of belonging. Our actions will be louder than our words.

Folks who are Black, Indigenous, people of color, LGBTQ+, of a marginalized gender, disabled, parents, are/have been system-impacted, are immigrants, and anyone who has experienced systemic oppression, and/or gender-based violence are encouraged to apply.

MISSION:

Vista Del Mar provides a trauma-responsive continuum of services to empower children, youth, and families in Southern California to lead fulfilling lives.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Advocate – CSEC Advocacy Program will serve as a strong supporter for youth involved in or at risk for being sexually trafficked. The Advocate will engage youth, assist with raising their voice, and act as a supportive presence and linkage navigator for the identified needs and services for each individual youth. They will utilize a flexible, strengths-based approach in their work. The Advocate will work to support youth voice in the planning and delivery of services to a high-risk population of trafficked youth.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

1. Engage and bring forward youth voice within the DCFS CSEC Advocacy Program at Vista Del Mar. Participate in forums, trainings, psychoeducation, and other conversations that highlight the needs and the challenges Youths/youth face within the Child Welfare delivery system.

2. Utilize a CSEC and trauma informed, relational model approach to engaging youth; Engage youth into the CSEC Advocacy Program and participate on Child and Family Teams to support Youth and Youth voice, identify underlying needs.

3. Engage Youth into the CSEC program and when possible, help Youth clarify concerns and need.

4. Support families by providing psychoeducation and engaging them to participate in established Parent Empowerment curricula and the CFT process.

5. Advocate for equity and access to services for families of trafficked youth brought to the attention of public Child Welfare systems, Police and Mental Health agency.

6. Acknowledge that each youth and family story is unique and important in the recovery process.

7. Build partnerships with others who are involved in the care of children.

8. Commit to honesty with all involved with the care of a child & expect the same from o

9. Be committed to a non-judgmental and respectful attitude with and families at all times

10. Be committed to non-adversarial advocacy in role with the Child Welfare delivery system.

11. Model or support brainstorming options that assure solutions are youth and family focused, strength based, needs driven, and culturally sensitive by utilizing their past experiences.

12. Model good decision-making skills to assist youth in evaluating and prioritizing information as part of teaching decision-making skills. Engage youth in trauma informed collaborative problem solving.

13. Link youth and their families with appropriate community support.

WHAT YOU BRING TO VDM?

1.Bachelor’s degree in social service or juvenile justice major (five years of experience as an Advocate can be substituted for a degree).

2. One (1 year of experience as a Case Manager or Advocate working with high-risk you

3. Advocates should have experience with youth involved in or at risk for sexual trafficking.

4. Must be comfortable driving/navigating around Los Angeles County and conducting field visits

with youth families.

5. Must have a valid CA driver’s license.

6. Ability to work flexible hours as some activities may require evening and/or weekend availability.

7. Must possess advocacy skills and experience.

8. Possesses a high school diploma; some college preferred or years of experience.

9. Must have excellent verbal and written processing skills.

Salary - $66,750

What Can We Offer You for All Your Hard Work?

• Full benefits offered (Medical, Dental, Vision)
• FSA/Dependent Care and Supplemental benefits through The Standard
• 403(b) – 3% Employer contribution based off annual salary
• 4 Mental Health Days
• Up to 12 Paid Holidays
• Up to 25% for Cell Phone Discounts with 3 Major Carriers (AT&T, Verizon, Sprint)

Vista Del Mar’s Credentials:

Our nationally recognized clinical programs have been awarded a Gold Seal by the Joint Commission, the highest level of accreditation possible. In addition, our educational facilities are fully accredited through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), and our graduate degree program is recognized worldwide for its high quality of instructions.

Equal Employment Statement

Vista Del Mar is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. Therefore, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Vista Del Mar will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations as part of this commitment.