Youth Advocate Program Manager

WestCoast Children’s Clinic, located in Oakland, California, is a non-profit community psychology clinic that provides mental health services to Bay Area children, youth and families. Working at WestCoast Children’s Clinic means being part of an organization that is client-centered, trauma-informed, collaborative, and committed to justice and equity. 

Youth Advocate Program Overview

The Youth Advocate Program (YAP) is a three-year professional development fellowship for Alameda County current and former foster and probation-involved youth, ages 18-26. The fellowship, a paid full-time job with benefits, is designed to improve services, experiences, and outcomes for youth in foster care by including the voice and perspective of system-involved youth. YAP is dedicated to training and supporting the Youth Advocate Fellows (YAFs) by helping them develop professional skills, providing the necessary support to succeed in their roles, and preparing them for future leadership roles.

Position Overview

The Youth Advocate Program Manager provides direct supervision, coaching, and professional development for Youth Advocate Fellows (YAFs). This role involves managing DCFS (Department of Children and Family Services) projects and handling key administrative tasks. The Program Manager will play a critical role in ensuring the success of the YAP through leadership, collaboration and effective program management.

Key Responsibilities:

Supervision

• Provide direct supervision and coaching to YAFs on job performance, professional and personal development.
• Write and implement accountability plans, memos, and Performance Improvement Plans (PIAs) as needed.
• Coordinate and complete 90-day and annual performance evaluations.
• Connect YAFs with resources for professional and personal development.

DCFS Projects & Activities

• Oversee and manage the planning and implementation of DCFS projects and activities.
• Guide and support YAFs on DCFS projects, including the creation of promotional materials, proposals, trainings, policy input, youth-friendly resources, and engagement in extended foster care (AB12).
• Ensure YAFs are well-prepared for DCFS-assigned advocacy activities, such as Child and Family Team Meetings (CFTs), committee meetings and projects.
• Review and approve all DCFS project deliverables.
• Facilitate individual and team meetings with YAFs, offering feedback and technical assistance to maintain high standards of work and professionalism.
• Assist in managing communication between YAFs and DCFS.
• Coordinate and supervise YAFs at Independent Living Program (ILP) events.

Professional Development

• Manage professional development for YAFs, including coaching, scheduling, and tracking goals and progress.
• Design and implement professional development programs and training.
• Deliver training and oversee ongoing skill development for YAFs.
• Track paperwork, advancement plans, and portfolios.
• Oversee resources and timelines for college enrollment and financial aid.
• Act as the primary liaison to supervisors, internship contacts, and educational institutions.
• Report on YAF progress in weekly YAP admin meetings.

Administrative and Leadership Duties

• Oversee tracking and reporting of program activities and deliverables.
• Complete reports on YAF development plans and advocacy activities.
• Participate in individual and weekly management meetings with the Program Director.
• Attend required WestCoast operations, administrative meetings, and trainings.
• Represent YAP and WestCoast in meetings with DCFS and advocacy groups.
• Collaborate with leadership to identify program needs, goals, and gaps.
• Support the development of YAP policies aligned with program goals.
• Communicate concerns about YAF work quality to the Program Director.
• Demonstrate leadership in external meetings representing YAP.

Qualifications:

• Minimum four (4) years experience in administration and management of programs serving current and former foster and probation involved youth.
• Experience in providing direct management to transition age youth, especially in an educational and/or employment program setting.  
• Demonstrated successes in project management.
• Experience working with social service systems.
• Experience working with diverse communities, and knowledge of issues of race, class, gender identity, ethnicity, etc.

Competencies (skills, abilities and knowledge):

• Knowledge of youth development models, balancing support with accountability.
• Understanding of how system involvement affects youth trajectories.
• Strong organizational, analytical, prioritization, and leadership skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and writing abilities.
• Capable of navigating ambiguity, demonstrating business acumen, and building effective relationships.
• Effectively resolves problems in complex organizational settings and advances program ideas.
• Collaborates well in multidisciplinary teams while also working independently.
• Maintains composure, creativity, and a problem-solving mindset.
• Inspires motivation and excitement around shared goals.
• Exemplifies professionalism, commitment to excellence, and a strong work ethic.
• Proficient in managing projects both remotely and in-person.

Position Details and Compensation:

This is a full-time, salaried (exempt) position. Starting salary is $70,000 per year, and includes competitive benefits package, 403b and performance-based compensation plans.

Join us and make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families in the Bay Area.  

WCC is passionate about leading and encouraging open conversations around race, gender, power, and privilege and how these impact community mental health. We are an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to diminishing the influence of privilege and discrimination in our field and our workplace, whether due to differences concerning age, citizenship, color, disability, marital or parental status, race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.