This job posting was opened on 2/14/25. Please note that we will be considering applications from internal employees and former IRC Staff exclusively for the first 5 days. After this period, if necessary, we will extend the opportunity to external candidates.

 

Job Overview:   The Youth Advocacy Specialist is responsible for delivering youth services under the Sacramento Youth Department including the Elevate Youth and In-School Youth programs. The Youth Advocacy Specialist will work alongside Youth Specialists and Senior Youth Advocacy Specialist as well as the Youth Leadership Council (YLC), a team of 8 female Afghan youth, to inform the community on substance prevention, women’s health, and mental wellness. The Youth Advocacy Specialist will be responsible for community advocacy activities as detailed below. Additionally, the Youth Advocacy Specialist will serve as a liaison between In-School Youth Services and Elevate Program and support in after-school programming to create stronger connections to schools, students, and teachers.

 

Major Responsibilities: 

Community Advocacy

Provide case management and leadership trainings for YLC participants including one-on-one youth services counseling; this includes goal setting, resource mapping, supporting leadership activities, and coaching clients. Oversee the YLC members and support them in development, planning, and execution of Community Presentations, Wellness Workshops, and Social Events.Lead regular planning meetings with YLC to plan activities alongside YLC members to meet program objectives.Conduct listening sessions and empower youth to administer surveys to community members, collecting data on substance abuse and mental wellness education in the community. Create content for IRC youth social media accounts and help coordinate with YLC members for content contributions.Support youth to provide tailored community presentations annually to reduce stigma and increase awareness around mental health, substance use and prevention. Work in tandem with school districts and other community-based organizations to create opportunities for the YLC to share and recruit additional youth to participate in activities.Work with YLC to update presentations, ensuring that content is consistently revised to meet the needs of the target population. Lead YLC leadership development and activism training retreat.Support planning and execution of youth events throughout the year open to all community youth. Support YLC in recruitment of youth attendees and marketing of the events.Alongside YLC support development of curriculum for Wellness Workshops. Create relationships with community organizations to host workshops.Engage youth on the Youth Leadership Council (YLC) in all aspects of community advocacy including in-person and digital outreach events, presentation preparation. Support in planning, execution, and leadership of bi-monthly YLC meetings including development of lessons, curriculum, and teambuilding.Document client participation and progress, adhering to grant requirements.Track all grant progress as well as YLC efforts and hours to ensure outcomes are met.Track and approve accurate timesheets for YLC members ensuring accurate spend down of funds and ensuring all work documents and appropriate signatures are collected.Organize and execute the annual Youth Advocacy Showcase community event showcasing youth’s prevention work and advocating to policy makers.At least once a week, during the school year, support the Refugees Empowering Peers after-school program led by IRC’s In-School Youth Team at high school sites throughout the Sacramento Region. Mentor students and support creating connections with students and schools throughout the community. Connect with schools on potential opportunities for YLC to present and support their student body.

Other

Complete administrative responsibilities including tracking time and effort, annual development of professional goals, and the 90 day onboarding plan. Other responsibilities as assigned.

 

Key Working Relationships: 

Position Reports to:  Senior Youth Advocacy Specialist

Position directly supervises: Youth Leadership Council members 

Indirect Reporting:  Ashley Crandall, Youth and Education Program Manager

Internal and/or external contacts: Coordinates regularly local partners 

 

Job Requirements:

Education: 

Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree a plus

Work Experience: 

1-3 years experience with youth engagement, case management, or coaching strongly preferred. 1-3 years experience working in or managing grant funded programs.1-3 years experience in mental health programs and/or substance prevention.

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

Demonstrated ability to communicate well with youth of varied backgrounds requiredExcellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and presentation creationProven ability to take initiative, creatively problem solve and lead with versatility in a fast-paced work environment Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite requiredExperience using data and fiscal tracking systems strongly preferredFlexible availability necessary

Language Skills: 

Proficiency in a refugee language such as Dari, Farsi, or Pashto a large asset

Working Environment: 

Standard office work environment coupled with regular travel in and around the service delivery area.Reoccurring need to provide services outside of traditional work hours (evenings and weekends) in case of workshops and outreach events scheduled in advance.

 

Compensation: Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget.  Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $143 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.