Advocate - CSEC Advocacy Program

As an Advocate with Vista Del Mar, your primary responsibilities will include engaging with youth at risk of being sexually trafficked, providing a supportive presence, and helping them articulate their needs. You will play an active role in promoting youth voices within the CSEC Advocacy Program, participate in collaborations, and navigate available services tailored to each youth. Additionally, you'll work closely with families to empower their involvement in the recovery process.

The Advocate role at Vista Del Mar requires either a high school diploma or five years of direct experience with sex-trafficked youth, along with one year as a case manager or advocate for high-risk youth. You should possess strong interpersonal skills and experience in a fast-paced environment. Familiarity with MS Office is also necessary, as is a fully vaccinated COVID-19 status.

In the Advocate position at Vista Del Mar, you will support families by providing psychoeducation and encouraging their participation in programs aimed at parent empowerment. You’ll advocate for equitable access to services that are essential for the recovery of youth, while recognizing the unique stories and needs of each family involved in the CSEC Advocacy Program.

Being a successful Advocate at Vista Del Mar involves excellent communication and interpersonal skills, a capacity for teamwork, attention to detail, and a genuine passion for helping others. The role demands flexibility, problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to non-judgmental advocacy, all of which can significantly enhance your interactions with the youth and families you'll support.

As an Advocate at Vista Del Mar, you will enjoy a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a flexible spending account and supplemental benefits. Additional perks include a 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions, flex days, paid holidays, and discounts on cell phone plans with major carriers.

When answering this question, highlight the importance of building trust and rapport with youth. Discuss using a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach to create a supportive environment, actively listening to their concerns, and empowering them to express their needs effectively.

In your response, share specific examples of past advocacy work, detailing the populations you have served. Emphasize how you have recognized and addressed systemic oppression, and the strategies you utilized to elevate the voices and needs of marginalized families and youth.

Describe a systematic approach you would take, such as assessing each individual’s unique needs, researching local resources, and actively collaborating with other service providers. Stress the importance of creating a personalized plan that empowers families to engage with the services available to them.

Your answer should reflect a collaborative mindset. Discuss how you prioritize open communication, actively listen to team members' viewpoints, and work toward finding common ground or solutions that are in the best interests of the families and youth you are serving.

Discuss challenges such as trauma, lack of access to services, and systemic barriers within child welfare systems. It's important to demonstrate empathy and an understanding of the unique issues these youth face, along with a commitment to advocating for their rights and needs.

Use this question to share a compelling story of a specific challenge you faced while advocating. Focus on the actions you took to address the issue, the skills or strategies you employed, and the positive outcomes that resulted from your advocacy.

Emphasize the importance of understanding each individual’s background and experiences. Discuss practices such as actively seeking to learn about cultural differences, being open to feedback, and ensuring that your advocacy strategies are inclusive and respectful of diverse identities.

Talk about how you stay current with industry trends and challenges related to youth, such as attending trainings, participating in forums, and engaging in community collaborations. This demonstrates a proactive approach to continual learning and advocacy.

Share insights on how empowerment is vital for fostering autonomy and resilience in youth. Discuss the significance of giving youth opportunities to lead their healing processes and voice their experiences, which can lead to improved recovery outcomes.

When answering this question, connect your passion for advocacy and support work with Vista Del Mar's mission and values. Discuss your commitment to healing marginalized communities and how this role aligns perfectly with your career goals and personal values.