Role Summary
Advocates at Tubman’s NorthStar Youth Outreach Center at the Maplewood Mall connect youth and young adults ages 10-24 of all genders (and their children, if parenting) to basic needs and resources. Youth receive a range of services including individual advocacy, safety planning, and connection to resources at Tubman and partner agencies. Volunteers provide comprehensive support services, assisting with the use of a computer lab and laundry and accessing clothing and food.
Impact & Benefits
- Make a difference in a young person’s life by listening and providing advocacy
- Maintain a safe and empowering space by providing support to youth, young adults, and children who have experienced or are at risk of homelessness, violence, and trauma Position Responsibilities
- Provide support in a strength-based, person-centered, and trauma-informed manner
- Understand and share information about Tubman and other community resources
- Foster trusting relationships with young people to create a safe and welcoming environment
- Follow Tubman guidelines, professional boundaries, and confidentiality as you interact with clients to identify their needs and strengths
- Communicate with supervisor and team as appropriate to best serve clients
Position Qualifications:
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills and ability to quickly engage and build trust
- Ability to respond calmly and respectfully in difficult and unexpected situations
- Ability to work with diverse teams and clients to foster a culturally inclusive environment that values people’s identities and multiple dimensions of diversity and experience
- Flexible, patient, and able to identify and build on strengths
- Experience in effective de-escalation, crisis intervention, or customer service
- Previous experience with diverse youth and young adults who have experienced trauma preferred
- Volunteers ages 16 on up are welcome to get involved in this intergenerational program
Time Commitment & Availability
- Minimum of one shift a week for nine months preferred
- Evening and Saturday shifts available
Supervision & Training
- Attend Tubman’s five-part Volunteer/Intern Orientation and Training series and webinar/training materials provided by a supervisor
- Supervision provided by the NorthStar Youth Outreach Manager
