TRAINING
YOUTH ADVOCATE PROGRAM
The Youth Advocate Program (YAP) is a three-year professional development fellowship for young adults ages 18-26 that have experienced the Alameda County foster care or juvenile justice systems. We train fellows to advocate for improved services for foster youth currently in care.
ADVOCACY THROUGH LIVED EXPERIENCE
Grounded in their experience with foster care, YAP fellows improve the child welfare system by informing policy and practice. Advocates support current foster youth to ensure their stated needs and goals are centered when decisions are made about their care. They also connect youth with resources including housing, extracurricular activities and legal services. In addition to supporting individual youth, advocates train social workers, caregivers and other service providers about what it’s like to be in foster care. As consultants to Alameda County child welfare leadership, advocates participate in multiple advisory committees where policy and program decisions are made that impact the lives of foster youth.
PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT
& TEAM BUILDING
We help Advocates identify their career and/or educational goals and develop the skills required to reach them. Through on-the-job coaching and training, Youth Advocates learn the core competencies required for success in the workplace. Specialized internships also help Youth Advocates gain knowledge and experience in their areas of interest.
Advocates also facilitate peer-to-peer training on topics relevant to their county advocacy work. They also have up to 10 hours per week for activities that will further their personal and professional growth, such as attending school and participating in individual life coaching sessions or therapy.
In addition to training, peer-to-peer development, and professional development, Advocates engage in team building activities to get to know one another, the YAP staff, and WestCoast. Upon completion of their internship, advocates are prepared to take the next steps in their educational and professional careers.
JOIN US
The Youth Advocate Program is a full-time job, Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5pm. Advocates must be between 18-23 at the time of applying. Candidates who are bilingual, multicultural, LGBTQ+, and have had probation involvement are encouraged to apply. Fill out our interest form to get updates for when we are accepting the next round of applications.
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Benefits:
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Paid Time Off (PTO): Up to 20 days per year
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14 paid holidays plus 1 floating holiday & 4 self-care days
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100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision plans
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Monthly wellness stipend
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Professional Development funds
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403(b) retirement plan plus employer contribution
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Starting Pay: $18.00+/hour, depending on education level
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Annual raises
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Questions? Contact YAPinfo@westcoastcc.org.