Facing Forward To End·Chicago, Illinois
The Youth Engagement Advocate provides direct support to young people by conducting assessments, developing educational and career plans, and connecting them to community resources. They also assist with program administration, data collection, and staff training to ensure effective service delivery.
Title: Youth Engagement Advocate
Location: Sanctuary Place and scattered sites as assigned
Reports To: FET Manager
Supervises: N/A
Status: Full-time/Exempt
$48, 838.09-$52,000
Direct Service Provision (70%)
Conduct assessments with young people, ages 13-24, to determine strengths, barriers, resources, and pathways to educational and financial self-sufficiency.
Develop and implement plans with young people and families to increase engagement in education, academic achievement, and social/emotional resilience.
Collaborate with schools and community-based agencies to ensure that young people are prepared to for college and/or careers.
Advocate for the rights of young people with special needs and connect them to appropriate supports.
Refer young people and their families to resources for tutoring, homework help, college and/or career preparedness, out-of-school time programs, social/emotional development, mental health services, etc.
Assist students in navigating the college application and financial aid application process.
Conduct follow-up with young people who are currently in college, including those who are attending college outside of Chicago.
For residents 16-24 who are not currently enrolled and do not have a high school diploma, assists with re-enrolling in traditional or alternative high schools, or with engaging in a high school equivalency program.
Provide direct support including resume development, mock interviews, and job search assistance. Collaborate with or refer to EAA for further support.
Using an employment navigation framework, assist young people in connecting to workforce development programs and education, including trade and apprenticeship programs; provides ongoing follow up to support retention.
Provide life skill education to assist young residents in adjusting to employment and/or secondary education (for example, providing financial education for resident with new earnings).
Consult with Facing Forward staff, including Case Managers, and EAA, on the education and career needs of youth and young adults.
Conduct independent home visits; meets with clients in the office and in community locations.
Identify and track high school seniors and assess:
Graduation requirements for each student
Student’s progress towards fulfilling graduation requirements (on/off track)
Provide relevant resources for senior high school students who may be in jeopardy of not graduating on time (i.e. bus cards, tutoring referrals, service learning project resources, etc.)
Develop and execute post-graduation plan with high school seniors which may include:
Completing Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application
Supporting youth with exploring options such as enrolling in the military, understanding college enrollment requirements, setting up college tours, etc.
Staff Development (10%)
Provide training to Facing Forward staff on youth centered topics.
Act as a resource to other staff regarding the education needs of youth and young adults.
Provide tasks supervision to volunteers and interns as needed
Program Administration (20%)
Assist program leadership in program development and evaluation, data collection, record keeping and reporting.
Work with program leadership to develop outcome measures related to career and education attainment of youth and young adults and monitor and analyze performance data to inform program planning.
Documents all client contacts and all services provided in progress notes.
Maintains updated paper files in neat and legible condition.
Completes all required paperwork in an accurate and timely manner.
Completes timely and accurate data entry into HMIS and any additional database as needed according to agency policy.
Uses email and other technologies to communicate with staff and others and to efficiently complete work assignments.
Protects the organization’s value by keeping information confidential,
Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks, participating in professional organizations.
Performs other duties as assigned; including but not limited to cleaning of office space and common areas, sorting donations, additional reporting and data entry responsibilities, and facilitating special events.
Attendance at staff meetings as required.
Attendance at special events as directed by supervisor.
• Proficient in use and knowledge of Microsoft Office and general office equipment; strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively with students and families who have experienced trauma, people with disabilities including mental illness, and people who may be agitated or upset; ability to show empathy and remain nonjudgmental; ability to make independent judgments; and, ability to manage multiple tasks, training or certification in Motivational Interviewing and Harm Reduction; knowledgeable of Positive Youth Development, post-secondary education, and Chicago-area workforce development resources
Certification/License: Valid driver’s license and insurance
priorities may be required
Facing Forward to End Homelessness is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and encourage
applications from individuals of all backgrounds. Employment decisions are made without regard to race,
color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry,
citizenship or work authorization status, age, disability, marital or family status, military or veteran status,
or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, Illinois, or Chicago law.
Reasonable accommodations are available during the application and hiring process. Applicants who
require an accommodation may contact humanresources@ffchicago.org
For benefits information, please see the attached document.
Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree in Education, Youth Development, Social Work, or a related field. A minimum of two years of experience providing college and career-preparedness services to homeless or low-income youth is required.
Market context
In Illinois, Youth Engagement Advocate roles are typically tied to schools, community agencies, and youth-serving nonprofits that need staff who can support college and career readiness for vulnerable students. These positions are competitive because employers often look for a bachelor’s degree plus direct experience with homeless or low-income youth, and candidates can save research time here because job requirements and benefits are AI-summarized from the original job description. Before applying, tailor your resume to show concrete youth outreach, advising, and preparedness-service experience.