Youth Advisory Council Member
El Paso, TX
Part Time
TLP
Mid Level
Transitional Living Program – Youth Advisory Council Member
This is a compensated position requiring approximately 10 hours per month.
$19/hour
Position Classification & Compensation: This role is classified as a non-exempt, part-time employee, as defined in the Center’s Employee Handbook, and is eligible for employee benefits for this classification.
Reports to: Outreach and Housing Program Manager or designee
Effective Date: 01/29/2025
Summary: The Youth Advisory Council Member will serve as a critical voice and advocate within the agency's Transitional Living Program (TLP). The role ensures youth/young adults’ perspectives (ages 18 to 21), particularly those with lived experience of homelessness, are integrated into program strategies and outreach initiatives. Responsibilities include youth/young adult engagement, special projects to support local youth services, program development, and outreach efforts, in collaboration with staff, the Family Advisory Council, and external partners. This is a compensated position requiring approximately 10 hours per month. The scope of work is subject to change as needed to ensure the project’s success and to meet the funders’ requirements. Likewise, complementary changes may be made to projects or individual goals and expectations for employees based on agency/management strategic goals. All Center for Children team members are expected to be collegial and collaborative, mutually supportive, and focused on excellent services to clients, fidelity to program models, and ethical provision of services.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Advisory Role
This is a compensated position requiring approximately 10 hours per month.
$19/hour
Position Classification & Compensation: This role is classified as a non-exempt, part-time employee, as defined in the Center’s Employee Handbook, and is eligible for employee benefits for this classification.
Reports to: Outreach and Housing Program Manager or designee
Effective Date: 01/29/2025
Summary: The Youth Advisory Council Member will serve as a critical voice and advocate within the agency's Transitional Living Program (TLP). The role ensures youth/young adults’ perspectives (ages 18 to 21), particularly those with lived experience of homelessness, are integrated into program strategies and outreach initiatives. Responsibilities include youth/young adult engagement, special projects to support local youth services, program development, and outreach efforts, in collaboration with staff, the Family Advisory Council, and external partners. This is a compensated position requiring approximately 10 hours per month. The scope of work is subject to change as needed to ensure the project’s success and to meet the funders’ requirements. Likewise, complementary changes may be made to projects or individual goals and expectations for employees based on agency/management strategic goals. All Center for Children team members are expected to be collegial and collaborative, mutually supportive, and focused on excellent services to clients, fidelity to program models, and ethical provision of services.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Advisory Role
- Participate in monthly Family Advisory Council meetings, including breakout Youth Advisory Council sessions, to provide input on youth needs, challenges, and solutions.
- Collaborate with the Program Manager and marketing team to review outreach materials and guide strategies to engage the target population effectively.
- Represent youth perspectives during Coalition meetings and other community stakeholder gatherings.
- Share lived experiences and insights to inform program services, procedures, and training topics.
- Help host and lead “Youth Voice” segments during TLP group trainings and activities.
- Advocate for youth-specific needs and opportunities within the agency and the community.
- May conduct outreach activities such public marketing, dissemination of brochures, posters, and business cards that can be provided, and presence in the streets frequented by homeless youth.
- Support outreach efforts, as appropriate to individual skills and comfort levels.
- The Youth Advisory Council Member must complete specialized training in areas such as trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, sex and labor trafficking, sexual exploitation, and youth advocacy to effectively support program development and outreach initiatives.
- Work alongside the agency to identify innovative ways to prevent homelessness and support youth development.
- Participate in mandatory meetings and trainings.
- Build peer relationships and engage other youth in the network of support for TLP residents.
- Participate in the Texas Network of Youth Services (TNOYS) annual conference as a representative of far West Texas.
- Attend community meetings to provide direct input into program development and community initiatives.
Skills
- Communication Skills: Ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups, both verbally and in writing.
- Empathy and Advocacy: Strong interpersonal skills to connect with youth and advocate for their needs.
- Problem-Solving: Ability to identify challenges and propose constructive solutions.
- Leadership: Capacity to inspire and engage others in shared goals.
- Teamwork: Demonstrated ability to collaborate in a group setting.
- Time Management: Capability to meet deadlines and balance multiple responsibilities effectively.
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Must have personal experience with homelessness or housing instability.
- Ability to engage youth and young adults in discussions, program activities, and feedback sessions.
- Understanding of issues affecting homeless and at-risk youth, including trauma, housing resources, and support systems.
- To maintain relevancy and effective engagement with our target population (ages 18-21), it is preferred that candidates be under the age of 28. This preference is based on the value of age proximity in fostering rapport and relatability with the clients we serve.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite and virtual meeting platforms (e.g., Zoom) is preferred.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- A passion for youth advocacy and community engagement.
- Ability to participate in virtual and in-person meetings as required.
- Must have a valid driver’s license, access to a reliable vehicle in safe operating condition, and maintain proof of current insurance at Texas minimum standards or an alternative means of reliable transportation to attend required events and meetings.
- Must be able and willing to travel for trainings, meetings, and conferences.
- Must be able to walk, sit, stand, lift, and carry at least 25 pounds.
Personal & Professional Conduct: The first responsibility of all El Paso Center for Children employees is to ensure the safety, welfare, and dignity of the youth and families the Center serves, and to serve as positive role models for them. All employees must exemplify the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct and abide by the Code of Conduct set forth in the Center’s Personnel Policies.
Flexibility: Every program at the Center is community and client-centric. Working with diverse partners to meet the needs of families in our community demands flexibility. The scope of work is subject to change based on the team’s performance and the funder’s expectations and on agency/management strategic goals. The flexibility needed in this role includes scheduling of meetings/events/activities, scheduling supervision sessions with staff, training, staff meetings, and out-of-town travel for training and/or grant requirements.
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